Live Edition of Slackware 15.0 (64-bit stable) is a 4.26 GB slackware64-live-15.0.iso for giving Slackware 15.0 a ‘Test Drive‘ without having to modify your main OS disk drive. It has the 5.15.19 (64-bit) kernel, and offers two Desktop Environments to test on the same ISO – KDE Plasma DE ‘n the Xfce:
At the Welcome Login screen, in lower left-hand corner, there is a dropdown menu to choose which one you want to ‘Test Drive‘.
Originally developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991, the UNIXŽ-like Linux operating system now benefits from the contributions of millions of users and developers around the world. Slackware Linux provides new and experienced users alike with a fully-featured system, equipped to serve in any capacity from desktop workstation to machine-room server. Web, ftp, and email servers are ready to go out of the box, as are a wide selection of popular desktop environments. A full range of development tools, editors, and current libraries is included for users who wish to develop or compile additional software.
This Live Edition of Slackware 15.0 (64-bit stable) version gives potential users or Linux enthusiasts an opportunity to see what Slackware Linux is like without having to actually install it. I used Rufus to create the bootable USB flash drive, and unlike most ‘Live‘ Linux OS versions, ‘Live‘ Slackware is *LOADED* wid all kinds of stuff…plus two Desktop Environments to choose from at anytime.
‘Live‘ Slackware has two user accounts:
This way you also get a chance to test what being a Fulltime Linux Root User is like without all the annoying “Authenticate” popups or other pestering Linux ‘Pesky Passwords’.
Info I have found says the “USB version is “persistent” – meaning that the OS stores your updates on the USB stick,” but I haven’t found a way to do it; however, I haven’t tried the terminal ‘n the command lines I saw mentioned…stuff like this:
Well, just went to another computer and tried those scripts, but without any success. 😒
Anyway, Slackware completes one of my requirements for Linux OSes, i.e. can be installed to a USB; however, so far I have only managed to get the Live Edition of Slackware 15.0 (64-bit stable) version onto a USB, but the actual Slackware 15.0 ‘Live‘ USB has rejected all attempts to install or clone it to a USB!?! 😟 No problem installing to a SSD.
Basically, Slackware is kicking my buttocks right now; however, it is still a great OS to tinker wid, and I am seriously considering placing it at the #2 or #3 spots on the Karmi’s Top 10 Linux Distros page. Have already prepped that #2 spot, but have some more testing first before deciding on #2 or #3.
Conclusion
‘Originally developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991‘ and Slackware is the oldest Linux Distribution still in use:
Slackware is the oldest Linux Distribution still in use. Slackware is highly technical and not a good choice for new or novice users. Although highly stable, Slackware requires a high level of knowledge of Unix Command Line as most management of the system is done via terminal commands or editing config files. There is a saying among Linux users: “Learn Red Hat and you’ll know Red Hat, but if you learn Slackware then you’ll know Linux.”
Well, I hate using the terminal, but Slackware has been around longer than any other Linux OS, and for some reason/s I enjoy using it.
Interesting ‘recent‘ Timeline:
- “Slackware 14.0 release notes. Wed Sep 19 21:47:07 UTC 2012“
- “Slackware 15.0 release notes. Wed Feb 2 18:39:59 CST 2022“
Interesting kernel History:
- We’ve actually built over 400 different Linux kernel versions over the years it took to finally declare Slackware 15.0 stable (by contrast, we tested 34 kernel versions while working on Slackware 14.2).
I’ve liked it so much that I have finally created a Slackware Linux page for this post ‘n all the other ones also. Page is still under construction…
Not sure how many posts in this series…possibly just one more (?).
If you have ever wondered what Slackware was like, but was unable to install it, then the Live Edition of Slackware 15.0 (64-bit stable) version makes it just a simple process of using Rufus to create the bootable USB flash drive.
- NOTE: as of this posting, Slackware sites are experiencing a lot of activity, and may be slow at times.
LINUX IS LIKE A BOX OF CHOCOLATES – you never know what you’re gonna get!
Linux Newbie - since 1996 