# SliTaz

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q208462](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q208462)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SliTaz)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/slitaz

## Summary
SliTaz is a lightweight Linux distribution designed for low-resource systems, originating from Switzerland and released under the GNU General Public License. It emphasizes minimalism and efficiency, catering to retrocomputing and older hardware while maintaining modern functionality through a rolling-release model.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Lightweight Linux distribution with low hardware requirements.
- **License**: GNU General Public License (GPL).
- **Country of Origin**: Switzerland.
- **Latest Versions**: 
  - 5.0 RC-3 (release candidate, May 20, 2015).
  - 5.0 (rolling release, March 19, 2017).
- **Website**: https://slitaz.org (available in multiple languages).
- **Associated Software**: emelFM2 file manager.
- **Documentation**: User manuals available at https://slitaz.org/en/doc/ and https://doc.slitaz.org/en:start (wiki), with ARM-specific guides at https://arm.slitaz.org/codex/.
- **Community**: Official forum at https://forum.slitaz.org.
- **Identifiers**: 
  - Distrowatch ID: `slitaz`.
  - Pro-Linux.de ID: `19367`.
  - AlternativeTo ID: `slitaz`.
- **Multilingual Support**: Wikipedia articles in 40+ languages (e.g., English, French, German, Japanese).
- **Logo/Image**: Official logo and screenshots hosted on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
- **What is SliTaz?**  
  SliTaz is a minimalist, open-source Linux distribution optimized for older hardware and resource-constrained environments, developed in Switzerland.

- **Is SliTaz free to use?**  
  Yes, it is released under the GNU GPL, ensuring users can freely modify and distribute the software.

- **What versions of SliTaz are available?**  
  Notable releases include 5.0 RC-3 (2015) and the stable 5.0 rolling-release version (2017), which receives continuous updates.

- **Where can I find SliTaz documentation?**  
  Official guides are hosted on the SliTaz website and wiki, with specialized resources for ARM architectures.

- **Does SliTaz support multiple languages?**  
  Yes, its website and documentation are available in multiple languages, and it has Wikipedia entries in over 40 languages.

## Why It Matters
SliTaz plays a critical role in extending the lifespan of legacy hardware through its ultra-lightweight design, requiring as little as 80 MB of RAM. Its Swiss origins and adherence to free software principles make it a culturally and ethically distinct project. By maintaining a rolling-release model, SliTaz ensures users receive updated software without requiring full system reinstallation, balancing stability and modernity. This approach bridges the gap between retrocomputing enthusiasts and practical, everyday usability.

## Notable For
- **Extreme Lightweight Design**: Core system size of ~80 MB, suitable for dated hardware.
- **Swiss Heritage**: One of few prominent open-source projects originating from Switzerland.
- **Rolling-Release Model**: Combines the stability of traditional releases with continuous updates.
- **ARM Architecture Support**: Dedicated documentation for ARM-based devices.
- **Specialized File Manager**: Bundled with emelFM2 for efficient file navigation.
- **Multilingual Global Reach**: Documentation and community resources available in multiple languages.

## Body

### History & Development
SliTaz development began in the mid-2000s, with early versions focusing on booting from RAM for maximum speed. The 5.0 release cycle marked a significant milestone: 
- **2015-05-20**: 5.0 RC-3 (release candidate) introduced core updates.
- **2017-03-19**: The stable 5.0 version launched as a rolling release, ensuring ongoing software updates without requiring new installations.

### Technical Specifications
- **Resource Requirements**: Operates smoothly on systems with as little as 80 MB RAM.
- **Use Cases**: Ideal for retrocomputing, embedded systems, and revitalizing older hardware.
- **File Manager**: Ships with emelFM2, a lightweight, tabbed file manager for efficient navigation.

### Licensing & Distribution
- **GPL Compliance**: All code is freely modifiable and distributable under GNU GPL terms.
- **Availability**: Distributed via https://slitaz.org, with multi-language support for global accessibility.

### Community & Resources
- **Documentation Hub**: 
  - Main manual: https://slitaz.org/en/doc/.
  - Wiki: https://doc.slitaz.org/en:start.
  - ARM-specific guides: https://arm.slitaz.org/codex/.
- **Support Channels**: Active community forum at https://forum.slitaz.org.

### International Presence
- **Multilingual Support**: Website and resources localized for multiple regions.
- **Global Recognition**: Featured on Wikipedia in 40+ languages, including Arabic, French, Japanese, and Vietnamese.

### Related Projects & Software
- **emelFM2**: Default file manager emphasizing speed and minimalism.
- **GNU/Linux Ecosystem**: Contributes to the broader landscape of lightweight distributions, aligning with projects like Lubuntu and Puppy Linux.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.slitaz.org/en/news/#d20150520)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013