# Slackware

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q58436](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q58436)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slackware)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/slackware

## Summary
Slackware is a Linux distribution, an operating system based on the Linux kernel. Created by Patrick Volkerding, it was first released in 1993 and is based on the Softlanding Linux System. It is known for its stability and traditional Unix-like design.

## Key Facts
*   **Inception:** July 16, 1993
*   **Creator:** Patrick Volkerding
*   **Based On:** Softlanding Linux System
*   **License:** GNU General Public License
*   **Mascot:** Tux
*   **Classification:** Linux distribution, operating system
*   **Update Method:** Pkgtool, slackpkg
*   **Platforms:** Q182933, Q272629
*   **Official Website:** http://www.slackware.com
*   **Derivative Works:** VectorLinux, AUSTRUMI Linux, DeLi Linux, DNALinux, Kongoni GNU/Linux, NimbleX, Platypux, Porteus, Salix OS, TopologiLinux

## FAQs
### Q: What is Slackware?
A: Slackware is a Linux distribution, which is an operating system based on the Linux kernel. It was created by Patrick Volkerding and is based on the Softlanding Linux System.

### Q: Who created Slackware?
A: Slackware was created and developed by Patrick Volkerding, an American software engineer.

### Q: When was Slackware first released?
A: Slackware was first released on July 16, 1993.

### Q: What is Slackware based on?
A: Slackware is based on the Softlanding Linux System.

### Q: What is the license for Slackware?
A: Slackware is released under the GNU General Public License.

## Why It Matters
Slackware holds a significant place in the history of Linux distributions as one of the earliest and longest-running projects, with its inception dating back to 1993. Its direct development by Patrick Volkerding and its foundation on the Softlanding Linux System highlight its pioneering role in the early Linux ecosystem. Slackware has influenced and served as a base for numerous other Linux distributions, demonstrating its foundational impact on the broader open-source community. Its continued development and distinct update methods like Pkgtool and slackpkg offer an alternative approach to system management compared to other distributions, catering to users who prefer a more hands-on and traditional Unix-like experience. By providing a stable and customizable operating system, Slackware contributes to the diversity and robustness of the Linux landscape, offering a choice for users seeking a particular philosophy in their computing environment.

## Notable For
*   One of the oldest continuously maintained Linux distributions, first released in 1993.
*   Directly created and developed by American software engineer Patrick Volkerding.
*   Serving as the base for numerous other Linux distributions, including VectorLinux and Salix OS.
*   Utilizing its own package management tools, Pkgtool and slackpkg.

## Body

### Overview
Slackware is a Linux distribution, which is an operating system based on the Linux kernel. It was created and developed by American software engineer Patrick Volkerding. Slackware was first released on July 16, 1993, and is based on the Softlanding Linux System.

### Key Characteristics
Slackware is classified as both a Linux distribution and an operating system. Its official mascot is Tux. The distribution is licensed under the GNU General Public License.

### Development and Maintenance
Patrick Volkerding is the developer of Slackware. The distribution uses Pkgtool and slackpkg for its update method. Erica Baker, an engineer and engineering manager, is affiliated with Slackware.

### Platforms
Slackware runs on platforms identified as Q182933 and Q272629.

### Versions
Slackware has released multiple stable versions since its inception:
*   **1.00:** July 17, 1993
*   **1.1:** November 5, 1993
*   **2.0:** July 2, 1994
*   **2.1:** October 31, 1994
*   **2.2:** March 30, 1995
*   **2.3:** May 24, 1995
*   **3.0:** November 30, 1995
*   **3.1:** June 3, 1996
*   **3.2:** February 17, 1997
*   **3.3:** June 11, 1997

### Aliases
Slackware is also known by several aliases, including Slackware Linux, Slack, Slack/390, Слакварь, Слака, Slackware GNU/Linux, and Slackware 12.

### Related Entities

#### Derivatives
Several Linux distributions are derivative works of Slackware, including:
*   VectorLinux
*   AUSTRUMI Linux
*   DeLi Linux
*   DNALinux
*   Kongoni GNU/Linux
*   NimbleX
*   Platypux
*   Porteus
*   Salix OS
*   TopologiLinux

Additionally, Imagineos is a LiveCD Linux distribution based on Slackware, and NimbleX is described as a small Slackware-based Linux distribution.

#### Competitors and Alternatives
Slackware competes with and serves as an alternative to a wide range of operating systems and Linux distributions, including:
*   **Operating Systems:** Microsoft Windows, Windows 7, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 3.0, macOS, ReactOS, OpenBSD, Hurd.
*   **Linux Distributions:** elementary OS, Puppy Linux, CentOS, Fedora Linux, Ubuntu, Debian, Arch Linux, Gentoo Linux, Zenwalk, Porteus, VectorLinux, DeLi Linux, Absolute Linux, Draco GNU/Linux, Plamo Linux, NND, Linvo, Kongoni GNU/Linux, AUSTRUMI Linux, Salix OS, College Linux, Bluewhite64, TeaM-TL, Parted Magic, Nonux, DNALinux, Imagineos, Platypux, NimbleX, TopologiLinux, Darkstar Linux.

#### Requirements
Slackware requires Swaret.

### Identifiers and Resources
*   **Official Website:** http://www.slackware.com (English)
*   **Logo:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Slackware_logo_from_the_official_Slackware_site.svg
*   **Image:** https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Slackware_15.0_screenshot.png (Slackware 15.0 desktop)
*   **User Manual:** http://www.slackbook.org/
*   **Mailing List Archive:** http://www.slackware.com/lists/archive/
*   **Wikipedia Title:** Slackware
*   **Commons Category:** Slackware
*   **Commons Gallery:** Slackware
*   **DistroWatch ID:** slackware
*   **FOLDOC ID:** slackware
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/0706s
*   **Golden ID:** Slackware-EAGEA
*   **Namuwiki ID:** 슬랙웨어 리눅스
*   **OSDN Project:** freshmeat_slackware
*   **Quora Topic:** Slackware-1
*   **GitLab Topic ID:** slackware-current
*   **Alternativeto Software ID:** slackware
*   **Crunchbase Organization ID:** slackware
*   **Google News Topics ID:** CAAqJQgKIh9DQkFTRVFvSUwyMHZNRGN3Tm5NU0JYQjBMVUpTS0FBUAE
*   **Pro-Linux.de DBApp ID:** 9960
*   **Open Library Subject ID:** slackware
*   **Lemmy Community ID:** slackware@lemmy.ml

### GUI Toolkits
Slackware supports GUI toolkits or frameworks such as Q1431, Xfce, Q194090, and Cinnamon.

### Distribution Format
Slackware is available via CD-ROM and digital download. Its copyright status is copyrighted.

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## References

1. [Slackware 14.1 stable released!. 2013](http://www.slackware.com/lists/archive/viewer.php?l=slackware-announce&y=2013&m=slackware-announce.963651)
2. [Slackware Release Notes](http://www.slackware.com/releasenotes/14.1.php)
3. [2016](http://www.slackware.com/announce/14.2.php)
4. [Slackware 15.0 release notes. 2022](http://www.slackware.com/releasenotes/15.0.php)
5. [Source](https://docs.slackware.com/slackware:current)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Quora
8. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Slackware-EAGEA)