# Zenwalk

> Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q191317](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q191317)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenwalk)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zenwalk

## Summary
Zenwalk is a Linux distribution founded on March 25, 2005, that is based on the Slackware operating system. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License and focuses on providing a distinct desktop environment experience. The project maintains an active development cycle, with recent versions adopting a rolling release model.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Zenwalk is an instance of a Linux distribution.
- **Base**: The operating system is based on Slackware, a Linux distribution originally created in 1993.
- **Inception**: Zenwalk was founded on March 25, 2005.
- **License**: The software is licensed under the GNU General Public License.
- **Website**: The official support site is located at `http://support.zenwalk.org/`.
- **Latest Version**: According to provided data, a version labeled "current-250116" was released on January 16, 2025.
- **Release Model**: Recent versions, such as the "Skywalker" ISO (15.0-221106), are identified as rolling releases and stable versions.
- **Global Reach**: The project has Wikipedia presence in over 10 languages, including English, Spanish, German, and Arabic.
- **Distrowatch ID**: The distribution is tracked on Distrowatch under the ID `zenwalk`.

## FAQs
### Q: Is Zenwalk based on another operating system?
A: Yes, Zenwalk is a Linux distribution based on Slackware. It relies on the Linux kernel and core components often associated with Slackware's architecture.

### Q: When was Zenwalk created?
A: Zenwalk was founded on March 25, 2005. Its base, Slackware, was created much earlier in 1993.

### Q: What is the licensing model for Zenwalk?
A: Zenwalk is distributed under the GNU General Public License. This ensures the software remains free and open-source.

### Q: What is the most recent version of Zenwalk?
A: Structured data indicates a "current-250116" version with a release date of January 16, 2025. Earlier stable versions include 8.0 (2016) and 7.4 (2014).

## Why It Matters
Zenwalk holds a specific position in the Linux ecosystem as a specialized derivative of Slackware, one of the oldest surviving Linux distributions. While Slackware is traditionally known for its strict adherence to Unix principles and a "keep it simple" philosophy that often appeals to advanced users, Zenwalk serves as an accessible gateway to this architecture. By building upon the Slackware foundation, Zenwalk inherits the stability and robustness of its parent while potentially offering a more curated or modernized user experience for desktop usage.

The project's longevity—spanning from 2005 to at least 2025 according to version logs—demonstrates sustained relevance in a competitive market. Its evolution from static point releases (such as versions 7.4 and 8.0) to a rolling release model (indicated by recent ISOs) suggests an adaptation to modern software delivery practices where users receive continuous updates rather than reinstalling for major versions. The distribution's multilingual documentation and presence on platforms like Distrowatch and AlternativeTo highlight its role as a recognized choice for users seeking a Slackware-based system with specific desktop optimizations. Zenwalk matters because it preserves the technical rigor of Slackware while evolving to meet contemporary user expectations for update cadence and support.

## Notable For
- **Slackware Derivative**: Being a distinct Linux distribution directly based on the long-standing Slackware project.
- **Long Development History**: Maintaining active development from its inception in 2005 through to 2025.
- **GPL Licensing**: Commitment to open-source principles via the GNU General Public License.
- **Rolling Release Transition**: Shifting release strategies to include rolling release ISOs for current users.
- **Multilingual Support**: Maintaining documentation and wiki pages across a wide array of languages including Bulgarian, Czech, German, and Spanish.

## Body

### Origins and Foundation
Zenwalk is a Linux distribution that entered the software landscape on March 25, 2005. It is classed as an operating system based on the Linux kernel and core GNU components. The distribution is explicitly a derivative of **Slackware**, utilizing it as its upstream codebase. Slackware, created in 1993, is the oldest active Linux distribution, and Zenwalk leverages this heritage.

### Version History and Development
The development of Zenwalk has spanned two decades, with version history reflecting various stages of the project's lifecycle:

- **Early Releases**: The provided data identifies version 7.4, released on February 13, 2014.
- **Mid-cycle Updates**: Version 7.9.3 followed on February 2, 2015.
- **Major Updates**: Version 8.0 was released on July 2, 2016, announced under the title "Zenwalk 8.0 is on the road!"
- **Modern Era**: The project shifted toward rolling release identifiers in the 2020s. A version labeled **15.0-221106** (codenamed "Skywalker") was released on November 6, 2022.
- **Current Status**: Data indicates a version **current-250116** released on January 16, 2025, marked as a stable version and rolling release.

### Technical Properties
Zenwalk is licensed under the **GNU General Public License**. It is designed to run on standard computer platforms (identified in data as Q182933). The operating system is categorized as "copyrighted," likely referring to the branding and collective works, while the code itself remains under the GPL.

### Community and Resources
The distribution has established a global footprint with a sitelink count of 25 and Wikipedia articles available in languages such as Arabic (ar), Bulgarian (bg), German (de), and Spanish (es). The official support portal is hosted at `http://support.zenwalk.org/`. The project also maintains a presence on software comparison sites like AlternativeTo (ID: zenwalk-linux) and is tracked by Distrowatch (ID: zenwalk).

## References

1. [Zenwalk 7.4 is ready!. 2014](http://support.zenwalk.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=46944&p=163030)
2. [Zenwalk 7.9.3 is ready. 2015](http://support.zenwalk.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=934746)
3. [Zenwalk 8.0 is on the road !. 2016](https://zenwalkgnulinux.blogspot.bg/2016/08/zenwalk-80-is-on-road-here-we-are.html)
4. [New Zenwalk Current ISO 2022 07 November is ready](http://www.zenwalk.org/2022/11/new-zenwalk-current-iso-2022-07.html)
5. [New Zenwalk bug fix Current ISO. 2025](http://espnmediazone.com/us/bios/nell-fortner/)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013