Hello everyone, first time posting here on LinuxQuestions!

I've been using Linux desktop for about a year now, with Debian and some Debian-based distributions. I started out with those distributions as they are the most common, and kind of a default for most new desktop Linux users. But now I'd like to try something else. I stumbled upon Zenwalk GNU Linux on DistroWatch, and it seems like an interesting project. However, instead of diving right in and possibly getting lost or finding out that it is not for me, I'd like to ask some questions.

1. Besides being one of the first distributions, what is significantly different on Slackware compared to more mainstream distributions?
2. Would gaming on Steam work fine on Zenwalk? In terms of AMD GPU drivers, mesa version, and whatever else is needed
3. Can Xfce be uninstalled, for example if I wanted to use just a window manager without a DE? Or is Zenwalk meant to be used with Xfce?

If there is anything else that I should know, please let me know.

Thanks!

Perhaps a better alternative would be Salix - https://salixos.org/

1 members found this post helpful.

Could you elaborate please?

https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=salix

https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?i...130812#feature

If you check the website you will see that you can install it 3 different ways, each being a different amount of programs from the start - you can start with the least install, & then add the programs that you want - easier than removing programs from a large installation.

When DinoSaar says "Could you elaborate please?" I suspect what they mean is is WHY are you responding with "use Salix" when they have asked about Zenwalk.

If you're attempting to answer their third question, then a more direct response of "Yes, Zenwalk is XFCE-only* but Salix is a similar distro that supports using a window manager" would make more sense.

(*I don't know if Zenwalk is XFCE-only or not, nor do I know whether Salix actively supports window managers. Irrespective of that, I think any OS which advertises gambling on its homepage is one to stay away from, and thus would recommend against Salix.)


Drivers come via the Linux kernel - thus you need to identify which version kernel is required to support your hardware, then you can check a distro's DistroWatch page to see if it comes with an equal or newer kernel: https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=zenwalk - scroll down until you see the package "linux" and check the version number in the column relating to the version of the distro you intend to try. The same table has a row identifying mesa version.

Thank you, that answers my questions.

I looked into Zenwalk a little more and I noticed that it uses the LILO bootloader. I am not very comfortable with using it, since it has been discontinued for a couple of years, and it seems like people generally have a pretty bad memory of it. So for now I will look for another distribution to try instead.

I looked at their home page quite a few months ago (Salix) and either didn't remember noticing or give any attention to the adverts,

My apologizes if I caused any offending to anyone.

I'm very negative when it's about gambling, Have good reasons !

Best way to double your money take a large $ note out of your wallet, fold it and put the note back in your wallet.

I responded with my answer because they are looking for another distro, & want it a certain way, & suggested Salix because it would be easier to get what they wanted, on a Slackware based distro.

Hello everyone, first of all I would like to thank PV for the excellent distro Slackware that it has provided us over the years, without having to worry too much about package security and the stability of the KISS system.

Responding to the user in question. I also use zenwalk since it exists and I can say that the distro is more and more robust and stable.

Regarding the window manager, you can use any one. If you can uninstall xfce I don't know. I personally have fluxbox installed with xfce by default. I never tried to uninstall it because I don't know how much I can corrupt the system with it.

In terms of games, everything will depend on the graphics card used, but I think you won't have any problems installing multilib on your system.
The new version of slpkg helps to install multilib packages. Don't forget to read the README file.

Regarding my experience with zenwalk, I use two package managers. The netpkg that comes with the system for updating system packages. Periodically you can do a netpkg -uu to update the packages. And the slpkg I use compiling the packages I need.

Until today I had no problems with it. Regarding the lilo, I never bothered with that. Only if necessary format the partition and reinstall zenwalk. Once that's done it doesn't affect me whether I'm using lilo or grub.

This is my personal experience with Zenwalk. Hope this helps. My first publication here. Thank you all.

New Zenwalk ISO has been released