View source for Slackware

{{Short description|Linux distribution}}
{{About-distinguish|the Linux distribution|Slack (software)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox OS
| name = Slackware
| logo = Slackware logo from the official Slackware site.svg{{!}}class=skin-invert
| screenshot = Slackware 15.0 screenshot.png
| caption = Slackware 15.0 with [[KDE Plasma 5]] as the desktop environment
| developer = [[Patrick Volkerding]]
| family = [[Linux]] ([[Unix-like]]) (based on [[Softlanding Linux System]])
| released = {{Start date and age|1993|07|17|df=yes}}<ref name="comp.os.linux" /><!-- NOTE: The release announcement posted on the Slackware Website was modified to show an incorrect date. SLACKWARE 1.0 WAS RELEASED ON 17 July 1993 00:16:36 GMT. Please read [https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Slackware&oldid=509078698#ANNOUNCE:_Slackware_Linux_Distribution_1.00] before "correcting" the release date. It is already correct. -->
| language = Multilingual
| userland = [[GNU Core Utilities|GNU]]
| ui = [[GNU Bash|CLI]]
| license = [[GNU General Public License]]
| website = {{URL|www.slackware.com}}
| source_model = [[Open-source software|Open source]]
| working_state = Current
| latest release version = {{wikidata|property|preferred|reference|edit|Q58436|P348|P548=Q2804309}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slackware.com/announce/15.0.php|title=Slackware Release Announcement|date=2 February 2022|publisher=The Slackware Linux Project}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slackware.com/announce/15.0.php|title=Slackware 15.0 released|first=Patrick|last=Volkerding|date=2022-02-02|publisher=The Slackware Linux Project|access-date=2022-02-03}}</ref>
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|{{wikidata|qualifier|preferred|single|Q58436|P348|P548=Q2804309|P577}}}}
| kernel_type = [[Monolithic kernel|Monolithic]] ([[Linux kernel|Linux]])
| supported_platforms = [[IA-32]], [[x86-64]], [[ARM architecture|ARM]]
| updatemodel = pkgtool, [[slackpkg]]
| package_manager = pkgtool, [[slackpkg]]
}}

'''Slackware''' is a [[Linux distribution]] created by [[Patrick Volkerding]] in 1993. Originally based on [[Softlanding Linux System]] (SLS),<ref name="Want an SLS like .99pl11A system">[https://www.tech-insider.org/linux/research/1993/0711.html Want an SLS like .99pl11A system?]</ref> Slackware has been the basis for many other Linux distributions, most notably the first versions of [[SUSE Linux]] distributions, and is the oldest distribution that is still maintained.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major |title=Top Ten Distributions |author=Distrowatch.com |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=April 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402195650/http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=major |url-status=live }}</ref>

Slackware aims for design stability and simplicity and to be the most "[[Unix-like]]" [[Linux distribution]].<ref name="info-page">{{cite web |url=http://slackware.com/info |title=The Slackware Linux Project: General Information |website=Slackware.com |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=July 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711045712/http://www.slackware.com/info/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It makes as few modifications as possible to software packages from [[upstream (software development)|upstream]] and tries not to anticipate use cases or preclude user decisions. In contrast to most modern Linux distributions, Slackware provides no graphical installation procedure and no automatic dependency resolution of software packages. It uses plain text files and only a small set of [[shell script]]s for configuration and administration. Without further modification, it boots into a [[command-line interface]] environment. Because of its many conservative and simplistic features, Slackware is often considered to be most suitable for advanced and technically inclined Linux users.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://docs.slackware.com/slackware:faq#slackware_linux_has_a_reputation_for_being_tough_for_newbies_is_this_true |title=Slackware FAQ: Slackware Linux has a reputation for being tough for newbies. Is this true? |author=Slackware Inc. |access-date=October 8, 2015 |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905101007/http://docs.slackware.com/slackware:faq#slackware_linux_has_a_reputation_for_being_tough_for_newbies_is_this_true |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.datamation.com/osrc/article.php/3928121/Top-Linux-Distros-For-Every-Level-User.htm |title=Top Linux Distros For Every Level User |author=Datamation |access-date=October 8, 2015 |archive-date=November 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118185033/http://www.datamation.com/osrc/article.php/3928121/Top-Linux-Distros-For-Every-Level-User.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.linux.org/threads/which-distro-is-right-for-me.4834/ |title=Which Distro is Right for Me? |author=Linux.org |access-date=October 8, 2015 |archive-date=October 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009075110/http://www.linux.org/threads/which-distro-is-right-for-me.4834/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/best-linux-distros-for-power-users-1153562 |title=Power user Linux distros: 5 reviewed and rated |author=Tech Radar |access-date=October 8, 2015 |archive-date=November 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102032542/http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/best-linux-distros-for-power-users-1153562 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itpro.co.uk/619540/slackware-linux---less-is-more |title=Slackware Linux - Less is more |author=IT Pro |date=January 18, 2010 |access-date=October 8, 2015 |archive-date=November 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119044318/http://www.itpro.co.uk/619540/slackware-linux---less-is-more |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/204767/a_guide_to_todays_top_10_linux_distributions.html |title=A Guide to Today's Top 10 Linux Distributions |author=PC World |access-date=October 8, 2015 |archive-date=October 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011185842/http://www.pcworld.com/article/204767/a_guide_to_todays_top_10_linux_distributions.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Slackware is available for the [[IA-32]] and [[x86-64|x86_64]] architectures, with a port to the [[ARM architecture]]. While Slackware is mostly<ref name=freeslack>{{cite web |url=http://freeslack.net/ |title=FreeSlack |website=FreeSlack.net |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=July 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727153514/http://freeslack.net/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[free and open-source software]], it does not have a formal [[bug tracking system|bug-tracking]] facility or public code repository, with releases periodically announced by Volkerding. No formal membership procedure exists for developers, and Volkerding is the primary contributor to releases.

==Name==
The name "Slackware" stems from the fact that the distribution started as a private side project with no intended commitment. To prevent it from being taken too seriously at first, Volkerding gave it a humorous name, which stuck even after Slackware became a serious project.<ref name="interview">{{cite web | url=http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/2750 | title=Interview with Patrick Volkerding | access-date=July 3, 2007 | last=Hughes | first=Phil | date=April 1, 1994 | work=[[Linux Journal]] | archive-date=June 2, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070602074922/http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/2750 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Slackware refers to the "pursuit of Slack", a tenet of the [[Church of the SubGenius]], a parody religion. Certain aspects of Slackware graphics reflect this,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slackware.com/~msimons/slackware/grfx/|title=Slackware Graphics and Link Banners|website=Slackware.com|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=July 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716215356/http://www.slackware.com/~msimons/slackware/grfx/|url-status=live}}</ref> e.g. the pipe that Tux is smoking, as influenced by the image of [[J. R. "Bob" Dobbs]]' head.

A humorous reference to the Church of the SubGenius can be found in many versions of the ''install.end'' text files, which indicate the end of a software series to the setup program. In recent versions, including Slackware release 14.1, the text is [[ROT13]] obfuscated.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-1.1.2/a3/install.end |title=install.end |format=TXT |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306111027/http://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-1.1.2/a3/install.end |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.1/slackware/a/install.end |format=TXT |title=install.end |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305021827/http://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.1/slackware/a/install.end |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==
===Birth===
[[File:Slackware 1.01 screenshot.png|thumb|Slackware 1.01]]
Slackware was originally derived from the [[Softlanding Linux System]] (SLS),<ref name="Want an SLS like .99pl11A system"/> the most popular of the original Linux distributions and the first to offer a comprehensive software collection that comprised more than just the kernel and basic utilities,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Klemmer |first1=Joe |url=https://lwn.net/Articles/91371/ |title=A Short History of Linux Distributions |website=Linux Weekly News |date=June 30, 2004 |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=June 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623113052/https://lwn.net/Articles/91371/ |url-status=live }}</ref> including an [[X11]] graphical interface, [[TCP/IP]], [[UUCP]] networking, and [[GNU Emacs]].<ref name="StrobelElling1997">{{cite book|first1=Stefan |last1=Strobel|first2=Volker |last2=Elling|title=LINUX|url=https://archive.org/details/linuxuniverseins00stro|url-access=registration|access-date=August 4, 2013|date=January 1, 1997|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-0-387-94880-5|pages=[https://archive.org/details/linuxuniverseins00stro/page/82 82]–83}}</ref>

Patrick Volkerding started with SLS after needing a [[Lisp (programming language)|LISP]] interpreter for a school project at the then-named [[Minnesota State University Moorhead|Moorhead State University]] (MSU). He found [[CLISP]] was available for Linux and downloaded SLS to run it. A few weeks later, Volkerding was asked by his [[artificial intelligence]] professor at MSU to show him how to install Linux at home and on some of the computers at school. Volkerding had made notes describing fixes to issues he found after installing SLS, and his professor and he went through and applied those changes to a new installation. This took almost as long as it took to just install SLS, though, so the professor asked if the install disks could be adjusted so the fixes could be applied during installation. This was the start of Slackware. Volkerding continued making improvements to SLS - fixing bugs, upgrading software, automatic installation of shared libraries and the kernel image, fixing file permissions, and more. In a short time, Volkerding had upgraded around half the packages beyond what SLS had available.

Volkerding had no intentions to provide his modified SLS version for the public. His friends at MSU urged him to put his SLS modifications onto an FTP server, but Volkerding assumed that "SLS would be putting out a new version that included these things soon enough", so he held off for a few weeks. During that time, many SLS users on the internet were asking SLS for a new release, so eventually Volkerding made a post titled "Anyone want an SLS-like 0.99pl11A system?", to which he received many positive responses. After a discussion with the local system administrator at MSU, Volkerding obtained permission to upload Slackware to the university's [[File Transfer Protocol|FTP]] server.<ref name="interview" /> This first Slackware release, version 1.00, was distributed on July 17, 1993, at 00:16:36 (UTC),<ref name="comp.os.linux">{{cite newsgroup|first=Patrick J. |last=Volkerding|title=ANNOUNCE: Slackware Linux 1.00|date=July 17, 1993|newsgroup=comp.os.linux|message-id=227gd4$jtq@usenet.INS.CWRU.Edu|url=http://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.linux/Jl_s4yKkvGk/8dZXz_tbJGoJ|access-date=December 5, 2014|archive-date=May 13, 2011|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20110513061457/https://groups.google.com/forum/#!original/comp.os.linux/Jl_s4yKkvGk/8dZXz_tbJGoJ|url-status=live}}</ref> and was supplied as twenty-four {{frac|3|1|2}}" [[floppy disk]] images.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slackware.com/announce/1.0.php |title=The Slackware Linux Project: Slackware Release Announcement |website=Slackware.com |date=July 16, 1993 |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629152723/http://www.slackware.com/announce/1.0.php |url-status=live }}</ref><!-- NOTE: The release announcement posted on the Slackware Website was modified to show a "1993-07-16 17:21:20 PST" date, but the original date on the announcement was "17 Jul 1993 00:16:36 GMT" --> After the announcement was made, Volkerding watched as the flood of FTP connections continually crashed the server. Soon afterwards, [[Walnut Creek CDROM]] offered additional archive space on their FTP servers.<ref name="interview" />

===Development===
The size of Slackware quickly increased with the addition of included software, and by version 2.1, released October 1994, it had more than tripled to comprise 73 1.44&nbsp;MB floppy disk images.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-2.1/README.210|title=README.210 Slackware Release 2.1|website=Mirror.slackware.com|access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref>

In 1999, Slackware had its version jump from 4 to 7. Slackware version numbers were lagging behind other distributions, and this led many users to believe it was out of date, though the bundled software versions were similar. Volkerding made the decision to bump the version as a [[marketing]] effort to show that Slackware was as up-to-date as other Linux distributions, many of which had release numbers of 6 at the time. He chose 7, estimating that most other distributions would soon be at this release number.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.slackware.com/faq/do_faq.php?faq=general#0 |title=The Slackware Linux Project: Frequently Asked Questions |website=Slackware.com |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108012703/http://www.slackware.com/faq/do_faq.php?faq=general |archive-date=January 8, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In April 2004, Patrick Volkerding added [[X.Org Server]] packages into the testing/ directory of -current as a replacement for the [[XFree86]] packages currently being used, with a request for comments on what the future of the [[X Window System]] in Slackware should be. A month later, he switched from XFree86 to X.Org Server after stating that the opinions were more than four to one in favor of using the X.org release as the default version of X. He stated the decision was primarily a technical one, as XFree86 was proving to cause compatibility problems. Slackware 10.0 was the first release with X.Org Server.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-10.0/ChangeLog.txt |title=Changelog.txt |format=plain text |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-date=March 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318220313/http://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-10.0/ChangeLog.txt |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2005, Patrick Volkerding announced the removal of the [[GNOME]] [[desktop environment]] in the development ChangeLog. He stated this had been under consideration for more than four years, and that other projects already provided a more complete version of GNOME for Slackware than what Slackware itself provided. Volkerding stated future GNOME support would rely on the community.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-10.2/ChangeLog.txt |title=Changelog.txt |format=plain text |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-date=March 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318220408/http://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-10.2/ChangeLog.txt |url-status=live }}</ref> The community responded and as of October 2016, several active GNOME (and GNOME fork) projects were available for Slackware, including [[Cinnamon (desktop environment)|Cinnamon]], Dlackware, [[Dropline GNOME]], [[MATE (software)|MATE]], and SlackMATE. The removal was deemed significant by some in the Linux community due to the prevalence of GNOME in many distributions.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tech.slashdot.org/story/05/03/28/009237/gnome-removed-from-slackware|title=Gnome Removed From Slackware |website=[[Slashdot]]|date=March 27, 2005 |access-date=October 14, 2016|archive-date=October 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018225330/https://tech.slashdot.org/story/05/03/28/009237/gnome-removed-from-slackware|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2009, Patrick Volkerding announced the public (development) release of an official x86_64 variant, called Slackware64, maintained in parallel with the [[IA-32]] distribution.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware64-13.0/ChangeLog.txt |title=Changelog.txt |format=TXT |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041854/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware64-13.0/ChangeLog.txt |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Slackware64 is a pure 64-bit distribution in that it does not support running or compiling 32-bit programs, but it was designed as "multilib-ready". Eric Hameleers, one of the core Slackware team members, maintains a multilib repository that contains the necessary packages to convert Slackware64 to multilib to enable running of 32-bit software.<ref name="multilib">{{cite web|url=http://www.slackware.com/~alien/multilib/|title=Index of /~alien/multilib|website=Slackware.com|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=July 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720102144/http://www.slackware.com/~alien/multilib/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hameleers started the 64-bit port as a diversion from the pain of recovering from surgery in September 2008. Volkerding tested the port in December 2008, and was impressed when he saw speed increases between 20 and 40% for some benchmarks compared to the 32-bit version. To minimize the extra effort of maintaining both versions in parallel, Slackware's build scripts, called SlackBuilds, were slowly transitioned to supporting either architecture, allowing for one set of sources for both versions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linux-mag.com/id/7502/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720001002/http://www.linux-mag.com/id/7502|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 20, 2010|title=Interview with Eric Hameleers: Why You Should Try Slackware|website=Linux Magazine}}</ref> Slackware64 saw its first stable release with version 13.0.

Between the November 2013 release of 14.1 and June 2016, Slackware had a 31-month gap between releases, marking the longest span in release history. During this time, the development branch went without updates for 47 days. On April 21, 2015, though, Patrick Volkerding apologized on the ChangeLog for the absence of updates and stated that the development team used the time to get "some good work done". Over 700 program changes were listed on that ChangeLog entry, including many major library upgrades. In January 2016, Volkerding announced the reluctant addition of [[PulseAudio]], primarily due to [[BlueZ]] dropping direct [[Advanced Linux Sound Architecture|ALSA]] support in v5.x. while various other projects were, in turn, dropping support for BlueZ v4.x. Knowing some users would not be happy with the change, he stated, "Bug reports, complaints, and threats can go to me." These changes culminated in the release of Slackware 14.2 in June 2016.<ref name="CL14.2">{{cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.2/ChangeLog.txt |format=TXT |title=This update contains security fixes and improvements. |website=Slackware.cs.utah.edu |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=February 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208004250/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.2/ChangeLog.txt |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Historical documentation===

David Cantrell worked as a core member of the Slackware team between 1999 and 2001, and described that period on the Slackware ARM Vlog.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaqKpYQbVw8 | title=S03E39 - David Cantrell on Slackware Linux history - the late 90's, early 2000s | website=[[YouTube]] | date=April 5, 2024 }}</ref> Patrick Volkerding provided further information about the time period in two interviews.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2001041701420NWSL | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318002416/http://www.linuxtoday.com/infrastructure/2001041701420NWSL | archive-date=March 18, 2014 | title=Linux Today – Slackware Commercial Distribution Left in Doubt as Developers Are Laid off }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theage.com.au/technology/the-linux-distribution-thats-always-in-the-black-20021004-gdfp05.html | title=The Linux distribution that's always in the black |work=The Age | date=October 4, 2002 }}</ref>

==Design philosophy==
The design philosophy of Slackware is oriented toward [[unix philosophy|simplicity]], software purity,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docs.slackware.com/slackware:philosophy|title=Slackware Philosophy|website=Docs.slackware.com|access-date=November 7, 2018|archive-date=November 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105220539/http://docs.slackware.com/slackware:philosophy|url-status=live}}</ref> and a core design that emphasizes lack of change to upstream sources. Many design choices in Slackware can be seen as a heritage of the simplicity of traditional Unix systems and as examples of the [[KISS principle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rlworkman.net/howtos/slackbasics.pdf|title=Slackware Linux Basics, Chapter 2|website=Rlworkman.net|access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref> In this context, "simple" refers to the simplicity in system design, rather than system usage. Thus, ease of use may vary between users; those lacking knowledge of command-line interfaces and classic Unix tools may experience a steep learning curve using Slackware, whereas users with a Unix background may benefit from a less-abstract system environment.{{Citation needed|date=September 2014}} In keeping with Slackware's design philosophy and its spirit of purity, most software in Slackware uses the original configuration mechanisms supplied by the software's authors; for some administrative tasks, though, distribution-specific configuration tools are delivered.

==Development model==
No formal [[issue tracking system]] and no official procedure is needed to become a code contributor or developer. The project does not maintain a public code repository. Bug reports and contributions, while being essential to the project, are managed in an informal way. All the final decisions about what is going to be included in a Slackware release strictly remain with Slackware's [[benevolent dictator for life]], Patrick Volkerding.<ref name="tdose2009" /><ref name=Alum>{{cite web|title=Slackware Alumni|url=http://www.slackware.com/about/|website=Slackware.com|access-date=September 20, 2014|archive-date=May 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530063845/http://www.slackware.com/about/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=linux.com>{{cite web|title=Stories of Linux: A Look at Slackware Linux|url=http://www.linux.com/component/content/article/197-stories-of-linux/441699-the-story-of-linux-a-look-at-slackware-linux|website=[[Linux.com]]|access-date=September 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030093841/http://www.linux.com/component/content/article/197-stories-of-linux/441699-the-story-of-linux-a-look-at-slackware-linux|archive-date=October 30, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The first versions of Slackware were developed by Patrick Volkerding alone. Beginning with version 4.0, the official Slackware announce files list David Cantrell and Logan Johnson as part of the "Slackware team".<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ftp.slackware-brasil.com.br/slackware-4.0/ANNOUNCE.TXT |title=Announcement of Slackware 4.0 |access-date=August 11, 2011 |archive-date=June 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603160133/http://ftp.slackware-brasil.com.br/slackware-4.0/ANNOUNCE.TXT |url-status=live }}</ref> Later announce statements, up to release version 8.1, include Chris Lumens.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ftp.slackware-brasil.com.br/slackware-8.1/ANNOUNCE.8_1 |title=Announcement of Slackware 8.1 |access-date=August 11, 2011 |archive-date=May 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519132129/http://ftp.slackware-brasil.com.br/slackware-8.1/ANNOUNCE.8_1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Lumens, Johnson and Cantrell are also the authors of the first edition of "Slackware Linux Essentials", the official guide to Slackware Linux.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slackbook.org/|title=The Revised Slackware Book Project|website=Slackbook.org|access-date=May 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915002405/http://www.slackbook.org/|archive-date=September 15, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Slackware website mentions Chris Lumens and David Cantrell as being "Slackware Alumni", who "worked full-time on the Slackware project for several years."<ref name=Alum /> In his release notes for Slackware 10.0 and 10.1 Volkerding thanks Eric Hameleers for "his work on supporting USB, PCI, and Cardbus wireless cards".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-10.0/RELEASE_NOTES |title=Archived copy |access-date=August 12, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-10.1/RELEASE_NOTES |title=Archived copy |access-date=August 12, 2011 }}</ref> Starting with version 12.0 there is, for a second time, a team building around Volkerding. According to the release notes of 12.2, the development team consists of seven people. Future versions added people.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-12.0/RELEASE_NOTES |title=Slackware 12.0 release notes. |format=TXT |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224634/http://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-12.0/RELEASE_NOTES |url-status=live }}</ref> Since version 13.0, the Slackware team seems to have core members. Eric Hameleers gives an insight into the core team with his essay on the "History of Slackware Development", written on October 3–4, 2009 (shortly after the release of version 13.0).<ref name="tdose2009" />

==Packages==
===Management===
[[File:Slackware-mascot.svg|thumb|upright|The Slackware mascot: [[Tux (mascot)|Tux]] smoking a pipe]]
Slackware's package management system, collectively known as pkgtools, can administer ({{Mono|pkgtool}}), install ({{Mono|installpkg}}), upgrade ({{Mono|upgradepkg}}), and remove ({{Mono|removepkg}}) packages from local sources. It can also uncompress ({{Mono|explodepkg}}) and create ({{Mono|makepkg}}) packages. The official tool to update Slackware over a network or the internet is {{Mono|slackpkg}}. It was originally developed by Piter Punk as an unofficial way to keep Slackware up-to-date. It was officially included in the main tree in Slackware 12.2,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-12.2/CHANGES_AND_HINTS.TXT |format=TXT |title=This file documents the instructions for upgrading to Slackware 12.1, the packages added, removed, renamed, and/or split during the development cycle from Slackware 12.1 through 12.2, and some potential "gotchas" that users can avoid by arming themselves with a little knowledge. |website=Slackware.mirrors.tds.net |access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref> having been included in {{Mono|extras/}} since Slackware 9.1.<ref name="CL9.1">{{cite web |url=http://slackware.cs.utah.edu/pub/slackware/slackware-9.1/ChangeLog.txt |format=TXT |title=Fixed incorrect type (int copy should be png_size_t copy) in png_inflate() : (fixes CVE-2011-3045). |website=Slackware.cs.utah.edu |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225080454/http://slackware.cs.utah.edu/pub/slackware/slackware-9.1/ChangeLog.txt |url-status=live }}</ref> When a package is upgraded, it will install the new package over the old one and then remove any files that no longer exist in the new package. Once a package has been installed with {{Mono|slackpkg}} it can be managed with {{Mono|pkgtool}} or other package management commands.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kenlon |first=Seth |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aD-zAwAAQBAJ&dq=%22Slackpkg%22+-wikipedia&pg=PA21 |title=Slackermedia |date=2012-09-01 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-0-9847842-2-6 |language=en}}</ref> When running {{Mono|upgradepkg}}, it only confirms that the version numbers are :different", thus allowing downgrading the package if desired.

Slackware packages are [[tar (computing)|tarballs]] compressed using various methods. Starting with 13.0, most packages are compressed using [[XZ Utils|xz]] (based on the [[LZMA]] compression algorithm), using the {{Mono|.txz}} [[filename extension]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-13.0/ChangeLog.txt |format=TXT |title=Fixes security issues including : External entity infinite loop DoS |website=Slackware.cs.utah.edu |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407120159/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-13.0/ChangeLog.txt |url-status=live }}</ref> Prior to 13.0, packages were compressed using [[gzip]] (based on the [[DEFLATE]] compression algorithm), using the {{Mono|.tgz}} extension. Support for [[bzip2]] and [[lzip]] compression was also added, using the filename extensions {{Mono|.tbz}} and {{Mono|.tlz}}, respectively, although these are not commonly used.

Packages contain all the files for that program, as well as additional [[metadata]] files used by the package manager. The package tarball contains the full directory structure of the files and is meant to be extracted in the system's [[root directory]] during installation. The additional metadata files, located under the special {{Mono|install/}} directory within the tarball, usually include a {{Mono|slack-desc}} file, which is a specifically formatted text file that is read by the package manager to provide users with a description of the packaged software,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slackwiki.com/Slack-desc|title=Slack-desc - SlackWiki|website=Slackwiki.com|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=April 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403213339/http://www.slackwiki.com/Slack-desc|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a {{Mono|doinst.sh}} file, which is a post-unpacking [[shell script]] allowing creation of symbolic links, preserving permissions on startup files, proper handling of new configuration files, and any other aspects of installation that can not be implemented via the package's directory structure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slackwiki.com/Doinst.sh|title=Doinst.sh - SlackWiki|website=Slackwiki.com|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=April 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408070248/http://www.slackwiki.com/Doinst.sh|url-status=live}}</ref> During the development of 15.0, Volkerding introduced support for a {{Mono|douninst.sh}} uninstall script that can be launched when removing or upgrading a package.<ref name="CL-current" /> This allows package maintainers to run commands when a package is uninstalled.

The package manager maintains a local database on the computer, stored in multiple folders. On 14.2 and older systems, the main database of installed packages was maintained in {{Mono|/var/log/}}, however, during the development of 15.0, Volkerding moved two of the directories to a dedicated location under {{Mono|/var/lib/pkgtools/}} to prevent accidental deletion when clearing system logs.<ref name="CL-current" /> Each Slackware installation will contain a {{Mono|packages/}} and {{Mono|scripts/}} directory in the main database location. The former is where each package installed will have a corresponding install log file (based on the package name, version, arch, and build) that contains the package size, both compressed and uncompressed, the software description, and the full path of all files that were installed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.slackware.com/slackware:package_management_hands_on#know_more_about_the_contents_of_a_package|title=slackware:package_management_hands_on - SlackDocs|website=Docs.slackware.com|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107191206/https://docs.slackware.com/slackware:package_management_hands_on#know_more_about_the_contents_of_a_package|url-status=live}}</ref> If the package contained an optional {{Mono|doinst.sh}} post-installation script, the contents of that script will be added to a file in the {{Mono|scripts/}} directory matching the filename of the corresponding package in the {{Mono|packages/}} directory, allowing the administrator to view the post-installation script at a future point. When a package is removed or upgraded, the old install logs and scripts found under {{Mono|packages/}} and {{Mono|scripts/}} are moved to {{Mono|removed_packages/}} and {{Mono|removed_scripts/}}, making it possible to review any previous packages and see when they were removed. These directories can be found in {{Mono|/var/log/}} on 14.2 and earlier, but were moved to {{Mono|/var/log/pkgtools/}} during the development of 15.0. On systems supporting the {{Mono|douninst.sh}} uninstall script, those scripts will be stored in the {{Mono|/var/lib/pkgtools/douninst.sh/}} directory while the package is installed. Once removed, the {{Mono|douninst.sh}} script will be moved to {{Mono|/var/log/pkgtools/removed_uninstall_scripts/}}.

=== Dependency resolution ===
The package management system does not track or manage ''dependencies''; however, when performing the recommended full install, all dependencies of the stock packages are met. For custom installations or 3rd-party packages, Slackware relies on the user to ensure that the system has all the supporting system libraries and programs required by the program. Since no official lists of dependencies for stock packages are provided, if users decide to install a custom installation or install 3rd-party software, they will need to work through any possible missing dependencies themselves. Since the package manager doesn't manage dependencies, it will install any and all packages, whether or not dependencies are met. A user may find out that dependencies are missing only when attempting to use the software.

While Slackware itself does not incorporate official tools to resolve dependencies, some unofficial, community-supported software tools do provide this function, similar to the way [[Advanced Packaging Tool|APT]] does for [[Debian]]-based distributions and [[Yellowdog Updater, Modified|yum]] does for [[Red Hat Enterprise Linux|Red Hat]]-based distributions. They include
* [[slapt-get]] is a command line utility that functions in a similar way to APT. While slapt-get does provide a framework for dependency resolution, it does not provide dependency resolution for packages included within the Slackware distribution. However, several community package sources and Slackware based distributions take advantage of this functionality. [[Gslapt]] is a graphical interface to slapt-get.
* Swaret is a package management tool featuring dependency resolution. It was originally included in Slackware version 9.1 as an optional package, but did not contain dependency resolution at that time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slackware.com/announce/9.1.php|title=The Slackware Linux Project: Slackware Release Announcement|website=Slackware.com|access-date=May 26, 2015|archive-date=June 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611153749/http://www.slackware.com/announce/9.1.php|url-status=live}}</ref> It was removed from the distribution with Slackware 10.0 and turned over to the community. It eventually added dependency resolution and roll-back functionality; however, as of May 2014, there are no active developers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sourceforge.net/p/swaret/discussion/303953/thread/a4627fcd/?limit=25#22c3|title=SWareT / Discussion / Open Discussion:Is swaret dead?|website=Sourceforge.net|access-date=March 29, 2016|archive-date=May 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527162220/https://sourceforge.net/p/swaret/discussion/303953/thread/a4627fcd/?limit=25#22c3|url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[NetBSD]]'s [[pkgsrc]] provides support for Slackware, among other Unix-like operating systems. pkgsrc provides dependency resolution for both binary and source packages.{{citation needed|reason=This claim needs a reliable source; official website of pkgsrc says it only supports Enterprise Linux, no mention of Slackware, Link=https://pkgsrc.joyent.com/install-on-linux/|date=June 2020}}

===Repositories===
There are no official repositories for Slackware. The only official packages Slackware provides are available on the installation media. However, there are many third-party repositories for Slackware; some are standalone repositories and others are for distributions that are Slackware-based but retain package compatibility with Slackware. Many of these can be searched at once using pkgs.org, which is a Linux package search engine. However, mixing and matching dependencies from multiple repositories can lead to two or more packages that require different versions of the same dependency, which is a form of [[dependency hell]]. Slackware itself won't provide any dependency resolution for these packages, however some projects will provide a list of dependencies that are not included with Slackware with the files for the package, commonly with a {{Mono|.dep}} extension.

Due to the possibility of dependency issues, many users choose to compile their own programs using community-provided SlackBuilds. SlackBuilds are shell scripts that will create an installable Slackware package from a provided software tarball. Since SlackBuilds are scripts, they aren't limited to just compiling a program's source; they can also be used to repackage pre-compiled binaries provided by projects or other distributions' repositories into proper Slackware packages. SlackBuilds that compile sources have several advantages over pre-built packages: since they build from the original author's [[source code]], the user does not have to trust a third-party packager; furthermore the local compilation process allows for machine-specific optimization. In comparison to manual compilation and installation of software, SlackBuilds provide cleaner integration to the system by utilizing Slackware's package manager. Some SlackBuilds will come with an additional file with metadata that allows automated tools to download the source, verify the source is not corrupt, and calculate additional dependencies that are not part of Slackware.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slackbuilds.org/guidelines/#info|title=SlackBuilds.org|first=WebSight Designs -|last=websightdesigns.com|website=Slackbuilds.org|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116174913/https://slackbuilds.org/guidelines/#info|url-status=live}}</ref> Some repositories will include both SlackBuilds and the resulting Slackware packages, allowing users to either build their own or install a pre-built package.

The only officially endorsed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/slackware-14/slackware-14-2-is-coming-but-will-the-slackbuilds-will-also-be-updated-accordingly-4175575223/#post5517961|title=Slackware 14.2 is coming, but will the slackbuilds will also be updated accordingly?|website=Linuxquestions.org|access-date=March 19, 2016|archive-date=March 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322090136/http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/slackware-14/slackware-14-2-is-coming-but-will-the-slackbuilds-will-also-be-updated-accordingly-4175575223/#post5517961|url-status=live}}</ref> SlackBuilds repository is SlackBuilds.org, commonly referred to as SBo. This is a community-supported project offering SlackBuilds for building software not included with Slackware. Users are able to submit new SlackBuilds for software to the site and, once approved, they become the "package maintainer". They are then responsible for providing updates to the SlackBuild, either to fix issues or to build newer versions provided by [[Upstream (software development)|upstream]]. To ensure all programs can be compiled and used, any required dependencies of the software not included with Slackware are required to be documented and be available on the site. All submissions are tested by the site's administrators before being added to the repository. The administrators intend for the build process to be nearly identical to the way Slackware's official packages are built, mainly to ensure Volkerding was "sympathetic of our cause". This allows SlackBuilds that Volkerding deems worthy to be pulled into regular Slackware with minimal changes to the script. It also prevent users from suggesting Volkerding to change his scripts to match SBo's.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alien.slackbook.org/blog/ten-years-of-slackbuilds-org/|title=Ten years of SlackBuilds.org|date=June 10, 2016|website=Alien.dslackbook.org|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=August 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803091637/http://alien.slackbook.org/blog/ten-years-of-slackbuilds-org/|url-status=live}}</ref> SBo provides templates<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slackbuilds.org/templates|title=Index of /templates|website=Slackbuilds.org|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=January 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118032729/https://slackbuilds.org/templates/|url-status=live}}</ref> for SlackBuilds and the additional metadata files and they encourage package maintainers to not deviate unless necessary.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slackbuilds.org/guidelines/|title=WebSight Designsm|website=Slackbuilds.org|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116174913/https://slackbuilds.org/guidelines/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Two Slackware team members, Eric Hameleers and Robby Workman each have their own repository of pre-compiled packages along with the SlackBuilds and source files used to create the packages. While most packages are just additional software not included in Slackware that they felt was worth their time to maintain, some packages are used as a testbed for future upgrades to Slackware, most notably, Hameleers provides "Ktown" packages for newer versions of [[KDE]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://alien.slackbook.org/ktown/|title=Index of /ktown|website=Alien.slackbook.org|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=December 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231121150/http://alien.slackbook.org/ktown/|url-status=live}}</ref> He also maintains Slackware's "multilib" repository, enabling Slackware64 to run and compile 32-bit packages.<ref name="multilib"/>

== Releases ==

<div style="float: right">
<timeline>
Define $dx = 25 # shift text to right side of bar
Define $dy = -3 # shift text to right side of bar
Define $now = 01/07/2022
Define $start = 16/07/1993

ImageSize  = width:120 height:800
PlotArea   = width:50 height:790 left:50 bottom:10

DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period     = from:$start till:$now
TimeAxis   = orientation:vertical
ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:1 start:1994

PlotData=
  bar:Leaders color:red width:30 mark:(line,white) align:left fontsize:S

  from:16/07/1993 till:$now
  from:16/07/1993 till:16/07/1993 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:1.0
  from:05/11/1993 till:05/11/1993 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:1.1.0
  from:05/02/1994 till:05/02/1994 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:1.1.2
  from:02/07/1994 till:02/07/1994 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:2.0
  from:31/10/1994 till:31/10/1994 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:2.1
  from:30/03/1995 till:30/03/1995 shift:($dx,-4) fontsize:S text:2.2
  from:24/05/1995 till:24/05/1995 shift:($dx,-2) fontsize:S text:2.3
  from:30/11/1995 till:30/11/1995 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:3.0
  from:03/07/1996 till:03/07/1996 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:3.1
  from:17/02/1997 till:17/02/1997 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:3.2
  from:11/06/1997 till:11/06/1997 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:3.3
  from:14/10/1997 till:14/10/1997 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:3.4
  from:09/06/1998 till:09/06/1998 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:3.5
  from:28/10/1998 till:28/10/1998 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:3.6
  from:10/05/1999 till:10/05/1999 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:3.9
  from:17/05/1999 till:17/05/1999 shift:(40,$dy) fontsize:S text:4.0
  from:25/10/1999 till:25/10/1999 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:7.0
  from:22/06/2000 till:22/06/2000 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:7.1
  from:01/07/2001 till:01/07/2001 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:8.0
  from:18/06/2002 till:18/06/2002 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:8.1
  from:19/03/2003 till:19/03/2003 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:9.0
  from:26/09/2003 till:26/09/2003 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:9.1
  from:23/06/2004 till:23/06/2004 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:10.0
  from:02/02/2005 till:02/02/2005 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:10.1
  from:14/09/2005 till:14/09/2005 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:10.2
  from:02/10/2006 till:02/10/2006 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:11.0
  from:01/07/2007 till:01/07/2007 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:12.0
  from:02/05/2008 till:02/05/2008 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:12.1
  from:10/12/2008 till:10/12/2008 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:12.2
  from:26/08/2009 till:26/08/2009 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:13.0
  from:24/05/2010 till:24/05/2010 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:13.1
  from:27/04/2011 till:27/04/2011 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:13.37
  from:28/09/2012 till:28/09/2012 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:14.0
  from:04/11/2013 till:04/11/2013 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:14.1
  from:30/06/2016 till:30/06/2016 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:14.2
  from:02/02/2022 till:02/02/2022 shift:($dx,$dy) fontsize:S text:15.0
</timeline>
</div>

Slackware's release policy follows a feature and stability based release cycle, in contrast to the time-bound (e.g., [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]) or [[rolling release]] (e.g., [[Gentoo Linux]]) schemes of other Linux distributions. This means there is no set time on when to expect a release. Volkerding will release the next version after he feels a suitable number of changes from the previous version have been made and those changes lead to a stable environment. As stated by Patrick Volkerding, "It's usually our policy not to speculate on release dates, since that's what it is&nbsp;– pure speculation. It's not always possible to know how long it will take to make the upgrades needed and tie up all the related loose ends. As things are built for the upcoming release, they'll be uploaded into the -current tree."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slackware.com/faq/do_faq.php?faq=general#5|title=The Slackware Linux Project: Frequently Asked Questions|website=Slackware.com|access-date=May 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070108012703/http://www.slackware.com/faq/do_faq.php?faq=general#5|archive-date=January 8, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Throughout Slackware's history, they generally tried to deliver up-to-date software on at least an annual basis.<ref name="tdose2009">{{cite web|url=http://connie.slackware.com/~alien/tdose2009/t-dose-slackware.pdf|title=History of Slackware Development|website=Connie.slackware.com|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=August 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807203916/http://connie.slackware.com/~alien/tdose2009/t-dose-slackware.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> From its inception until 2014, Slackware had at least one release per year. Release activity peaked in 1994, 1995, 1997 and 1999, with three releases each year. Starting with version 7.1 (June 22, 2000) the release progression became more stable and typically occurred once per year. After that point, the only years with two releases were 2003, 2005 and 2008. However, since the release of Slackware 14.1 in 2013, new releases have slowed down drastically. There was a more than 2-year gap between 14.1 and 14.2 and over a 5-year gap to 15.0.<ref name="CL-current" /> Upon the release of 15.0, Volkerding stated that Slackware 15.1 will hopefully have a far shorter development cycle since the "tricky parts" were resolved during the development of 15.0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-15.0/ChangeLog.txt|website=Slackware.com|title=15.0 ChangeLog.txt|access-date=Feb 8, 2022}}</ref>

Slackware's latest 32-bit x86 and 64-bit x86_64 stable releases are at version 15.0 (released on February 2, 2022), which include support for [[Linux (kernel)|Linux]] 5.15.19.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.slackware.com/announce/15.0.php | title=The Slackware Linux Project: Slackware Release Announcement }}</ref>

Volkerding also maintains a testing/developmental version of Slackware called "-current"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slackware.com/changelog/|title=The Slackware Linux Project: Slackware ChangeLogs|website=Slackware.com|access-date=May 26, 2015|archive-date=May 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506182346/http://www.slackware.com/changelog/|url-status=live}}</ref> that can be used for a more [[bleeding edge]] configuration. This version will eventually become the next stable release, at which point Volkerding will start a new -current to start developing for the next release of Slackware. While this version is generally known to be stable, it is possible for things to break, so -current tends to not be recommended for production systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docs.slackware.com/slackware:current|title=slackware:current - SlackDocs|website=Docs.slackware.com|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=June 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628052359/http://docs.slackware.com/slackware:current|url-status=live}}</ref>

<!-- Template:Version for version & release history. Documentation and examples: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Version -->
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Release history
! Version !! Release date !! End-of-life date !! Kernel version !! Notable changes
|-
| {{Version |o |1.00}}<ref name="comp.os.linux" /><!-- NOTE: The release announcement posted on the Slackware Website was modified to show a "1993-07-16 17:21:20 PST" date, but the original date on the announcement was "17 Jul 1993 00:16:36 GMT" -->
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 1993-07-17
| No EOL specified
| 0.99.11 Alpha
|
|-
| {{Version |o |1.1}}
| 1993-11-05
| No EOL specified
| 0.99.13
|
|-
| {{Version |o |1.2}}
| 1994-03-19
| No EOL specified
| 1.0.8
|
|-
| {{Version |o |2.0}}
| 1994-07-02
| No EOL specified
| 1.0.9
|
|-
| {{Version |o |2.1}}
| 1994-10-31
| No EOL specified
| 1.1.59
|
|-
| {{Version |o |2.2}}
| 1995-03-30
| No EOL specified
| 1.2.1
|
|-
| {{Version |o |2.3}}
| 1995-05-24
| No EOL specified
| 1.2.8
|
|-
| {{Version |o |3.0}}
| 1995-11-30
| No EOL specified
| 1.2.13
|style="text-align:left" | Transitioned from [[a.out]] to [[Executable and Linkable Format]] (ELF); first release to be offered on CD-ROM<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-3.0/00_CDROM.TXT|title=CDROM.txt file in the Slackware 3.0 repository|website=Slackware.cs.utah.edu|access-date=July 22, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
|-
| {{Version |o |3.1}}
| 1996-06-03
| No EOL specified
| 2.0.0
|style="text-align:left" | Named "Slackware 96", an allusion to [[Windows 95]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-3.1/ChangeLog.txt |title=Changelog.txt |format=plain text |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041902/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-3.1/ChangeLog.txt |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Linux Slackware 96: The Internet's Favorite 32-Bit Operating System |isbn=978-1-57176-150-7 |publisher=Walnut Creek |year=1996}}</ref>
|-
| {{Version |o |3.2}}
| 1997-02-17
| No EOL specified
| 2.0.29
|
|-
| {{Version |o |3.3}}
| 1997-07-11
| No EOL specified
| 2.0.30
|
|-
| {{Version |o |3.4}}
| 1997-10-14
| No EOL specified
| 2.0.30
|style="text-align:left" | Introduced [[ZipSlack]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-3.4/ChangeLog.txt |format=TXT |title=zipslack/: Added a super-easy to install UMSDOS installation -- zipslack.zip, a 33 megabyte complete Linux system as a Zip file. The installation will fit on a FAT formatted Zip disk, or works on any FAT or FAT32 filesystem in a \LINUX directory. This is based on the soon-to-be-released Slackware 3.5-beta, with 2.0.33, egcs-1.0.2, libc-5.4.44 |website=Slackware.cs.utah.edu |access-date=July 22, 2017 |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041633/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-3.4/ChangeLog.txt |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
| {{Version |o |3.5}}
| 1998-06-09
| No EOL specified
| 2.0.34
|
|-
| {{Version |o |3.6}}
| 1998-10-28
| No EOL specified
| 2.0.35
|
|-
| {{Version |o |3.9}}
| 1999-05-10
| No EOL specified
| 2.0.37pre10
|
|-
| {{Version |o |4.0}}
| 1999-05-17
| No EOL specified
| 2.2.6
|style="text-align:left" | First release to require 1&nbsp;GB of space for full install and added KDE<ref name="linux.com" />
|-
| {{Version |o |7.0}}
| 1999-10-25
| No EOL specified
| 2.2.13
|
|-
| {{Version |o |7.1}}
| 2000-06-22
| No EOL specified
| 2.2.16
|style="text-align:left" | Added GNOME<ref name="linux.com" />
|-
| {{Version |o |8.0}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=review-slackware|title=Slackware Linux – Back to Basics|date=December 11, 2003|website=DistroWatch|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618162329/https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=review-slackware|url-status=live}}</ref>{{failed verification|reason=Doesn't mention 8.0|date=July 2025}}
| 2001-07-01
| No EOL specified
| 2.2.19
|style="text-align:left" | Added [[Mozilla Application Suite|Mozilla Browser]] and optional Linux 2.4
|-
| {{Version |o |8.1}}
| 2002-06-18
| 2012-08-01<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-8.1/ChangeLog.txt |title=ChangeLog.txt |format=plain text |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-date=December 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041911/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-8.1/ChangeLog.txt|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2.4.18
|style="text-align:left" | Switched package naming from [[8.3 filename|8.3]] to name-version-arch-build.tgz and evolved hdsetup to pkgtools
|-
| {{Version |o |9.0}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.osnews.com/story/6695/|title=Confessions of a Slacker |website=OSNews|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=February 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226045718/https://www.osnews.com/story/6695/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.osnews.com/story/3166/|title=Mini Review of Slackware Linux 9.0 |website=OSNews|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=February 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225223904/https://www.osnews.com/story/3166/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2003-03-19
| 2012-08-01
| 2.4.20<br />(patched to 2.4.21)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-9.0/ChangeLog.txt |title=Changelog.txt |format=plain text |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041850/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-9.0/ChangeLog.txt |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|style="text-align:left" |
|-
| {{Version |o |9.1}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.osnews.com/story/4637/|title=Get to Know Slackware 9.1 |website=OSNews|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=February 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226045731/https://www.osnews.com/story/4637/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2003-09-26
| 2012-08-01
| 2.4.22<br />(patched to 2.4.26)<ref name="CL9.1" />
|style="text-align:left" | Switched from [[Open Sound System|OSS]] to ALSA<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-9.1/RELEASE_NOTES|title=Release Notes for Slackware 9.1|website=Mirrors.slackware.com|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304073415/http://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-9.1/RELEASE_NOTES|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| {{Version |o |10.0}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.osnews.com/story/7694/|title=Slackware 10: First Impressions |website=OSNews|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=February 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226045721/https://www.osnews.com/story/7694/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2004-06-23
| 2012-08-01
| 2.4.26
|style="text-align:left" | Switched from [[XFree86]] to [[X.org Server]]
|-
| {{Version |o |10.1}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.osnews.com/story/9752/|title=Slackware 10.1 Review |website=OSNews|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=February 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190225223906/https://www.osnews.com/story/9752/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Brockmeier |first1=Joe 'Zonker' |url=https://lwn.net/Articles/122809/|title=A look at Slackware 10.1 |website=LWN.net|date=February 9, 2005 |access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175249/https://lwn.net/Articles/122809/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2005-02-02
| 2012-08-01
| 2.4.29
|style="text-align:left" |
|-
| {{Version |o |10.2}}<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bodnar |first1=Ladislav |url=https://lwn.net/Articles/152540/|title=A Look at Slackware Linux 10.2 |website=LWN|date=September 21, 2005 |access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175251/https://lwn.net/Articles/152540/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tuxmachines.org/node/2652|title=Slackware 10.2 |website=Tux Machines|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=October 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004055312/http://www.tuxmachines.org/node/2652|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2005-09-14
| 2012-08-01
| 2.4.31
|style="text-align:left" | Removed GNOME desktop environment
|-
| {{Version |o |11.0}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linux.com/news/venerable-slackware-12-gets-sporty-new-wardrobe|title=Venerable Slackware 12 gets a sporty new wardrobe|date=July 10, 2007|website=Linux.com|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618230204/https://www.linux.com/news/venerable-slackware-12-gets-sporty-new-wardrobe|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2006-10-02
| 2012-08-01
| 2.4.33.3
|style="text-align:left" | First release offered on DVD
|-
| {{Version |o |12.0}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tuxmachines.org/node/17899|title=Slackware 12: The anti-'buntu |website=Tux Machines|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175233/http://www.tuxmachines.org/node/17899|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2007-07-01
| 2012-08-01
| 2.6.21.5
|style="text-align:left" | Switched from Linux 2.4 to 2.6, added support for [[Hardware Abstraction Layer|HAL]] and removed floppy disk installation support (except for [[Preboot Execution Environment|PXE]])
|-
| {{Version |o |12.1}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linux.com/news/upgrading-slackware-121|title=Upgrading to Slackware 12.1|date=June 3, 2008|website=Linux.com|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625000842/https://www.linux.com/news/upgrading-slackware-121|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2008-05-02
| 2013-12-09<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-12.1/ChangeLog.txt|title=12.1 ChangeLog.txt|website=Mirrors.slackware.com|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=December 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041907/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-12.1/ChangeLog.txt|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2.6.24.5
|style="text-align:left" |
|-
| {{Version |o |12.2}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linux.com/news/revised-slackware-keeps-it-simple|title=Revised Slackware keeps it simple|date=December 23, 2008|website=Linux.com|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=June 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622192639/https://www.linux.com/news/revised-slackware-keeps-it-simple|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2008-12-10
| 2013-12-09<ref name="CL12.2">{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-12.2/ChangeLog.txt|title=12.2 ChangeLog.txt|website=Mirrors.slackware.com|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=December 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041751/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-12.2/ChangeLog.txt|url-status=live}}</ref>
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 2.6.27.7<br />(patched to 2.6.27.31)<ref name="CL12.2" />
|style="text-align:left" |
|-
| {{Version |o |13.0}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20091005#feature|first=Caitlyn |last=Martin|title=Slackware Linux 13.0 – the oldest Linux distro gets a major overhaul|website=DistroWatch|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730141848/https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20091005#feature|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Vervloesem |first1=Koen |url=https://lwn.net/Articles/350314/|title=Slackware 13.0: now officially 64-bit |website=LWN.net|date=September 2, 2009 |access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618152306/https://lwn.net/Articles/350314/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2009-08-26
| 2018-07-05<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-13.0/ChangeLog.txt|title=13.0 ChangeLog.txt|website=Mirrors.slackware.com|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=December 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041900/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-13.0/ChangeLog.txt|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2.6.29.6
|style="text-align:left" | Added 64-bit version, switched from KDE 3.5 to 4.x and switched from gzip to xz compressed packages
|-
| {{Version |o |13.1}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linuxjournal.com/content/spotlight-linux-slackware-linux-13|title=Spotlight on Linux: Slackware Linux 13.1 |website=Linux Journal|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=August 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808072005/https://www.linuxjournal.com/content/spotlight-linux-slackware-linux-13|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2010-05-24
| 2018-07-05<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-13.1/ChangeLog.txt|title=13.1 ChangeLog.txt|website=Mirrors.slackware.com|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202041643/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-13.1/ChangeLog.txt|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2.6.33.4
|style="text-align:left" | Added [[PolicyKit]] and ConsoleKit and switched to the [[libata]] subsystem
|-
| {{Version |o |13.37}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20110516#feature |first=Jesse |last=Smith |title=First impressions of Slackware Linux 13.37 |website=DistroWatch|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=December 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222002920/https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20110516#feature|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linux.com/learn/slackware-review-ten-years-making|title=A Slackware Review Ten Years In The Making|date=May 9, 2011|website=Linux.com|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175317/https://www.linux.com/learn/slackware-review-ten-years-making|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Brockmeier |first1=Joe 'Zonker' |url=https://lwn.net/Articles/434815/|title=Slackware 13.37: Linux for the fun of it |website=LWN.net|date=March 22, 2011 |access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618175226/https://lwn.net/Articles/434815/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2011-04-27
| 2018-07-05<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-13.37/ChangeLog.txt|title=13.37 ChangeLog.txt|website=Mirrors.slackware.ocm|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=April 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182750/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-13.37/ChangeLog.txt|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2.6.37.6
|style="text-align:left" | Added support for [[GUID Partition Table|GPT]] and utilities for the [[Btrfs]] filesystem
|-
| {{Version |o |14.0}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20121015#feature|first=Jesse |last=Smith|title=Slackware Slackware 14.0|website=DistroWatch|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730141008/https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20121015#feature|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2012-09-28
| 2024-01-01<ref>{{cite web |title=Slackware 14.0 ChangeLog |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.0/ChangeLog.txt |website=Slackware |access-date=11 October 2023}}</ref>
| 3.2.29<br />(patched to 3.2.98)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.0/ChangeLog.txt |title=Changelog.txt |format=plain text |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127010057/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.0/ChangeLog.txt |url-status=live }}</ref>
|style="text-align:left" | Added [[NetworkManager]] and removed HAL as its functionality was merged into [[udev]]
|-
| {{Version |o |14.1}}
| 2013-11-04
| 2024-01-01<ref>{{cite web |title=Slackware 14.1 ChangeLog |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.1/ChangeLog.txt |access-date=11 October 2023}}</ref>
| 3.10.17<br />(patched to 3.10.107)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.1/ChangeLog.txt |title=Changelog.txt |format=plain text |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041627/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.1/ChangeLog.txt |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|style="text-align:left" | Added support for [[UEFI]] hardware and switched from [[MySQL]] to [[MariaDB]].
|-
| {{Version |o |14.2}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20160725#slackware|first=Jesse |last=Smith|title=The saga continues with Slackware 14.2|website=DistroWatch|access-date=February 25, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730131704/https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20160725#slackware|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 2016-06-30
| style="white-space: nowrap;" | 2024-01-01<ref>{{cite web |title=Slackware 14.2 ChangeLog |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.2/ChangeLog.txt |website=Slackware |access-date=11 October 2023}}</ref>
| 4.4.14<br />(patched to 4.4.301)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.2/ChangeLog.txt|title=ChangeLog.txt|website=mirrors.slackware.com|access-date=January 14, 2020|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807051911/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.2/ChangeLog.txt|url-status=live}}</ref>
|style="text-align:left" | Added [[PulseAudio]] and [[VDPAU]] and switched from [[udev]] to eudev and from ConsoleKit to ConsoleKit2
|-
| {{Version |c |15.0}}
| 2022-02-02
| No EOL announced
| 5.15.19<br />(patched to 5.15.187)<ref name="Slackware 15.0">
{{ cite web
 | url          = https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-15.0/ChangeLog.txt
 | title        = ChangeLog.txt
 | last         = 
 | first        = 
 | date         = 2023-12-26
 | website      = slackware.com
 | publisher    = The Slackware Linux Project
 | access-date  = 2024-01-01
 | url-status   = live
 | language     = 
 | archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20220914131917/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-15.0/ChangeLog.txt
 | archive-date = 2022-09-14
 | quote        = These updates fix various bugs and security issues. Thanks to jwoithe for the PCI fix!
}}
</ref>
|style="text-align:left" | Switched default encoding from [[ASCII]] to [[UTF-8]], ConsoleKit2 to elogind, and [[KDE Software Compilation 4|KDE4]] to [[KDE Plasma 5|Plasma5]]; migrated to [[Python (programming language)|Python 3]]; moved package database from {{Mono|/var/log/packages/}} to {{Mono|/var/lib/pkgtools/}}; added [[LAME|lame]], [[Vulkan (API)|vulkansdk]], [[Simple DirectMedia Layer|SDL2]], [[FFmpeg]], [[Pluggable authentication module|PAM]], and [[Wayland (display server protocol)|Wayland]] to core system<ref name="CL-current" />
|-
| {{Version |cp |-current}}
| development
| {{n/a}}
| 6.12.25<ref name="CL-current">{{cite web|url=http://www.slackware.com/changelog/current.php?cpu=x86_64|title=The Slackware Linux Project: Slackware ChangeLogs|website=slackware.com|access-date=2025-05-01|date=2023-12-20|archive-date=June 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629203434/http://www.slackware.com/changelog/current.php?cpu=x86_64|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|-
| colspan="5" | <small>{{Version |l |show=111110}}</small>
|}

==Support==
Currently, Slackware has no officially stated support term policy. However, on June 14, 2012, notices appeared in the changelogs for versions 8.1,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-8.1/ChangeLog.txt |title=Changelog.txt |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-date=December 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041911/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-8.1/ChangeLog.txt |url-status=live }}</ref> 9.0, 9.1, 10.0, 10.1, 10.2, 11.0, and 12.0 stating that, effective August 1, 2012, security patches would no longer be provided for these versions. The oldest release, version 8.1, was released on June 18, 2002, and had over 10 years of support before reaching [[End-of-life (product)|EOL]]. Later, on August 30, 2013, announcements were made on the changelogs of 12.1<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-12.1/ChangeLog.txt |title=Changelog.txt |format=TXT |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-date=March 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318210306/http://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-12.1/ChangeLog.txt |url-status=live }}</ref> and 12.2 stating their EOL on December 9, 2013. It was stated in the changelog entries that they had at least 5 years of support. On April 6, 2018, versions of 13.0, 13.1 and 13.37<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-13.37/ChangeLog.txt |title=Changelog.txt |format=TXT |access-date=August 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407182750/https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-13.37/ChangeLog.txt |archive-date=April 7, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> were declared reaching their EOL on July 5, 2018. It was stated in the changelog entries that they had at least 7 years of support (13.0 had been supported almost 9 years). On October 9, 2023, the changelog for 14.2 stated that 14.0, 14.1 and 14.2 will be EOL effective January 1, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-14.2/ChangeLog.txt |access-date=October 21, 2023|title=Slackware 14.2 changelog.txt }}</ref>

While there have been no official announcements for versions prior to 8.1, they are no longer maintained and are effectively EOL.

==Hardware architectures==
Historically, Slackware concentrated solely on the IA-32 architecture and releases were available as 32-bit only. However, starting with Slackware 13.0, a 64-bit x86_64 variant is available and officially supported in symmetrical development with the 32-bit platform. Prior to the release of Slackware64 users wanting 64-bit were required to use unofficial ports such as [[slamd64]].

Slackware is also available for the [[IBM ESA/390|IBM S/390]] architecture in the form of Slack/390 and for the ARM architecture under Slackware ARM (originally known as 'ARMedslack'). Both ports have been declared "official" by Patrick Volkerding.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slackware.com/ports/|title=The Slackware Linux Project: Slackware Ports|website=Slackware.com|access-date=May 26, 2015|archive-date=May 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508041418/http://www.slackware.com/ports/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://arm.slackware.com|title=Slackware ARM|author=Stuart Winter|website=Slackware.com|access-date=May 26, 2015|archive-date=May 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527005916/http://arm.slackware.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the S/390 port is still at version 10.0 for the stable version and 11.0 for the testing/developmental version, and has had no updates since 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftp.nluug.nl/ibiblio/distributions/slack390/slack390-current/ChangeLog.txt|title=Change log of Slack390|website=Ftp.nluug.nl|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714201126/http://ftp.nluug.nl/ibiblio/distributions/slack390/slack390-current/ChangeLog.txt|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftp.nluug.nl/ibiblio/distributions/slack390/slack390x-11.0/ChangeLog.txt|title=Change log of Slack390x|website=Ftp.nluug.nl|access-date=July 22, 2017|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225215/http://ftp.nluug.nl/ibiblio/distributions/slack390/slack390x-11.0/ChangeLog.txt|url-status=live}}</ref> Also, on May 7, 2016, the developer of Slackware ARM announced 14.1 will be EOL on September 1, 2016, and development of -current will cease with the release of 14.2, however support for 14.2 will be maintained for the foreseeable future.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/slackware-arm-108/slackware-arm-14-1-and-current-end-of-life-announcement-4175579194/|title=Slackware ARM 14.1 and -current End of Life Announcement|website=Linuxquestions.org|access-date=June 29, 2016|archive-date=August 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816190331/https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/slackware-arm-108/slackware-arm-14-1-and-current-end-of-life-announcement-4175579194/|url-status=live}}</ref> The EOL announcement for 14.1 was added to the changelog on June 25, 2016,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ftp.arm.slackware.com/slackwarearm/slackwarearm-14.1/ChangeLog.txt |title=END OF LIFE FOR SLACKWARE ARM v14.1 |access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref> and the EOL announcement for 14.2 was added to the changelog on December 21, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ftp.arm.slackware.com/slackwarearm/slackwarearm-14.2/ChangeLog.txt |title=IMPENDING EOL (END OF LIFE) FOR SLACKWARE ARM v14.2 |access-date=December 23, 2022}}</ref>

In July 2016, the developer of Slackware ARM announced that the development and build tools had been enhanced to reduce the manual effort involved in maintaining the ARM port, and proceeded to announce that a 32-bit hardware floating port was in development.  The port was released in August 2016 in "current" form.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/slackware-arm-108/hard-float-port-now-available-4175587874/|title=Hard float port now available|website=Linuxquestions.org|access-date=March 28, 2017|archive-date=March 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329045827/http://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/slackware-arm-108/hard-float-port-now-available-4175587874/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 28 December 2020 work began on porting Slackware to the 64-bit ARM architecture (known as 'AArch64'), with the initial Hardware Model targets being the PINE64's RockPro64 and Pinebook Pro.  It was functionally complete by May 2021, and has many improvements over the original design and implementation of the ARM port - particularly in regards to the management and enablement of new Hardware Models by the Slackware ARM community. Additionally, the boot and installation processes were improved significantly - making the installation process far easier and more streamlined.

On March 29, 2022 Slackware AArch64 was publicly released in -current (development) form with support for the RockPro64, Pinebook Pro and Raspberry Pi 3 & 4, with online installation documentation and video installation guides. Also the unofficial ''slarm64'' project<ref name="slam64 Project">{{cite web | url=https://slarm64.org/ | title=slarm64 | access-date=December 23, 2022 | website=slarm64.org}}</ref> has a port for AArch64, and an additional port for [[RISC-V|riscv64]] architecture.

In March 2022 official development of the ARM 32-bit port of Slackware ceased, with future development concentrated solely on the AArch64/ARM64 port. This was because the 32-bit hardware was unable to keep pace with the development of Slackware and was inhibiting development, and the limitations of the hardware became a blocker to the adoption of the latest technologies. Additionally since most of the other mainstream distributions ceased support for 32-bit ARM, some of the applications failed to build and were no longer supportable. There is however the unofficial Slackware port ''BonSlack''<ref name="BonSlack Project">{{cite web | url=https://bonslack.org/ | title=BonSlack unofficial porting of Slackware GNU/Linux to ARM, DEC Alpha, HPPA, LoongArch, MIPS, OpenRISC, PowerPC, RISC-V, S/390x, SH4, SPARC, x86 | access-date=May 15, 2023 | website=bonslack.org}}</ref> that provide both soft (ARMv5) and hard float (ARMv7) ports for 32-bit ARM, with development and updates (from 14.2) aligned with official Slackware. This project also provides ports for [[Aarch64]] (ARM64), [[DEC Alpha|Alpha]], [[PA-RISC|HPPA]] (PA-RISC 1.1), [[LoongArch]] (64 bit), [[MIPS architecture|MIPS]] (32/64-bit), [[OpenRISC]], [[PowerPC]] (32/64-bit), [[RISC-V]] (64-bit), [[Z/Architecture|S/390x]], [[SuperH|SH-4]], [[SPARC]] (32/64-bit), and [[x86]] (32-bit with 64-bit {{Mono|time_t}}) architectures.

On December 21, 2022, Slackware ARM 14.2 had its EOL (End of Life) declared as 1 March 2023.

Slackintosh is a port of Slackware Linux for the [[Macintosh]] [[New World ROM]] [[PowerPC]] architecture, used by Apple's [[Power Macintosh]], [[PowerBook]], [[iMac]], [[iBook]], and [[Xserve]] lines from 1994 until 2006. The last version of Slackintosh was 12.1, released on Jun 7, 2008.<ref name="distrowatch slackintosh">{{cite web |url=https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=slackintosh |title=DistroWatch.com: Slackintosh |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=December 3, 2019 |website=distrowatch.com |publisher=Distribution Watch |access-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629205621/https://distrowatch.com/table.php?distribution=slackintosh |url-status=live }}</ref> Slackintosh's website is still active and version 12.1 is available for download<ref>{{cite web |url=https://slackintosh.workaround.ch/ |title=Slackintosh Linux home page |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=August 7, 2007 |website=slackintosh.workaround.ch |publisher=Slackintosh Linux |access-date=June 28, 2020 |archive-date=July 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711153131/https://slackintosh.workaround.ch/ |url-status=live }}</ref> for those who have older PowerPC Macintosh computers. The project developers announced in February 2012 that development was frozen and 12.1 would be able to receive security patches for one month.<ref>
{{ Cite web
 | url          = https://slackintosh.workaround.ch/pub/slackintosh/current/ChangeLog.txt
 | title        = ChangeLog.txt
 | last         = 
 | first        = 
 | date         = 2012-02-17
 | website      = slackintosh.workaround.ch
 | publisher    = Slackintosh Linux project
 | access-date  = 2022-09-14
 | url-status   = live
 | language     = 
 | archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20220321210956/https://slackintosh.workaround.ch/pub/slackintosh/current/ChangeLog.txt
 | archive-date = 2022-03-21
 | quote        = Slackintosh-current has not received any update in the last 15 months: it's time to close this branch and give it up to maintenance to anyone who will eventually step up.
}}
</ref>
The next month, it was announced that the stable release is frozen and won't receive any further updates unless someone else decides to take over.<ref>
{{ Cite web
 | url          = https://slackintosh.workaround.ch/pub/slackintosh/12.1/ChangeLog.txt
 | title        = ChangeLog.txt
 | last         = 
 | first        = 
 | date         = 2012-03-18
 | website      = slackintosh.workaround.ch
 | publisher    = Slackintosh Linux project
 | access-date  = 2022-09-14
 | url-status   = live
 | language     = 
 | archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20220321210959/https://slackintosh.workaround.ch/pub/slackintosh/12.1/ChangeLog.txt
 | archive-date = 2022-03-21
 | quote        = Hi again community, the time has finally come. I really enjoy working on the Slackintosh project but the grace period of one month has passed so it's time to close even the -stable branch.
}}
</ref>
This never happened and Volkerding officially declared the project dead in July 2021.<ref name="CL-current" />

==Distribution==
Slackware 14.2<ref>{{cite web |url=http://store.slackware.com/cgi-bin/store/ |title=Slackware Linux |website=store.slackware.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314103755/http://store.slackware.com/cgi-bin/store/ |archive-date=14 March 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> CD sets, single DVDs, and merchandise were available from the third-party-controlled Slackware store,<ref name="smh-2002-10-04">{{cite news |title=The Linux distribution that's always in the black |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/the-linux-distribution-thats-always-in-the-black-20021004-gdfp05.html |access-date=20 July 2021 |work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] |date=4 October 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124010150/https://www.smh.com.au/technology/the-linux-distribution-thats-always-in-the-black-20021004-gdfp05.html |archive-date=2018-11-24 |language=en |quote=Slackware started in early 1993, but it wasn't until the middle of 1994 that I was contacted by Michael Johnston of Morse Telecommunications and asked if I was interested in having them publish Slackware commercially...Since then, Slackware has always made enough money through publishing arrangements to be my full time job. I didn't stay with Morse long because they were only giving me $US1 per copy sold. When the initial six-month agreement expired, I moved on to Walnut Creek CDROM since they were better established and were willing to give Slackware a fair share of the profits. Their founder, Robert Bruce, is my current partner in Slackware Linux, Inc.}}</ref> but due to underpayment, [[Patrick Volkerding]], "told them to take it down or I'd suspend the DNS for the store".<ref>{{cite web |title=[SOLVED] Donating to Slackware |url=https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/slackware-14/donating-to-slackware-4175634729/#post5882751 |website=LinuxQuestions.org |access-date=20 July 2021  |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407050827/https://www.linuxquestions.org/questions/slackware-14/donating-to-slackware-4175634729/#post5882751 |url-status=live |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=jake |title=Financial woes for Slackware's Patrick Volkerding |url=https://lwn.net/Articles/761004/ |access-date=20 July 2021 |work=[[LWN.net]] |quote=Patrick Volkerding, who is the founder and benevolent dictator for life of the Slackware Linux distribution, posted a note at LinuxQuestions.org detailing some financial problems. It appears they mostly stem from a deal that he made with the Slackware Store that has gone badly awry....Note that there is at least one person out there soliciting Bitcoin who is not affiliated with Volkerding, in what looks like a scam of some sort; it is particularly sad because that is similar to what he alleges has happened with Slackware Store as well.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Varghese |first1=Sam |title=Slackware creator in strife, claims store has not paid him |url=https://www.itwire.com/open-source/83757-slackware-creator-in-strife,-claims-store-has-not-paid-him.html |access-date=20 July 2021 |work=iTWire |date=25 July 2018 |language=en-gb |quote=Volkerding said he had discovered how bad things were in 2017 when he managed to get some numbers out of the people running the store.  "I thought the sales were just that bad, and was really rather depressed about it. Another side note – the ownership of the 60% portion of the store changed hands behind my back. Nobody thought they needed to tell me about this. At that point I'd say things got considerably worse for me."  The commercialisation of Slackware was initially undertaken with Michael Johnston of Morse Telecommunications in 1994. After that, Volkerding moved to a venture with the founder of Walnut Creek CDROM, Robert Bruce.  Later, Volkerding teamed up with Bruce to set up a Slackware company.  iTWire has written to the Slackware store, seeking comment on Volkerding's claims.}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Baader |first1=Hans-Joachim |title=Patrick Volkerding in finanziellen Schwierigkeiten |url=https://www.pro-linux.de/news/1/26132/patrick-volkerding-in-finanziellen-schwierigkeiten.html |access-date=20 July 2021 |work=Pro-Linux |language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Schürmann |first1=Tim |title=Geldnöte: Slackware-Erfinder Patrick Volkerding um Einnahmen betrogen |url=https://www.linux-magazin.de/news/geldnoete-slackware-erfinder-patrick-volkerding-um-einnahmen-betrogen/ |access-date=20 July 2021 |work=Linux-Magazin |date=27 July 2018 |language=de-DE}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Slackware's finances |url=https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=showheadline&story=6489 |access-date=20 July 2021 |work=[[DistroWatch]] |date=2018-07-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Slackware seeks support through Patreon |url=https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=showheadline&story=8743 |access-date=20 July 2021 |work=[[DistroWatch]] |date=2019-08-14}}</ref>

Slackware [[ISO image]]s (2.6 GB)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-iso/slackware64-14.2-iso/|title=Index of /Slackware/Slackware-iso/Slackware64-14.2-iso}}</ref> for installation can be downloaded for free at the Slackware website via [[BitTorrent]], FTP mirrors, and HTTP mirrors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mirrors.slackware.com/slackware/slackware-iso/|title=Index of /Slackware/Slackware-iso}}</ref>

Slackware port for IBM S/390 ([[End-of-life (product)|EOL]]: 2009)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://slack390.org/ |title=The Slack/390 Linux Project |website=slack390.org |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809155146/http://slack390.org/ |archive-date=9 August 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> can be downloaded, and installs from a DOS Partition or from floppy disk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://distro.ibiblio.org/pub/linux/distributions/slack390/slack390-10.0/FAQ.TXT|title=Search results for "slack390"|website=Distro.ibiblio.org|access-date=May 26, 2015|archive-date=June 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601123509/http://distro.ibiblio.org/pub/linux/distributions/slack390/slack390-10.0/FAQ.TXT|url-status=live}}</ref>

Slackware port for ARM<ref>
{{ Cite web
 | url          = https://arm.slackware.com/
 | title        = Slackware ARM / AArch64 Linux Project
 | last         = 
 | first        = 
 | date         = 2022-08-24
 | website      = arm.slackware.com
 | publisher    = The Slackware project
 | access-date  = 2022-09-14
 | url-status   = live
 | language     = 
 | archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20220914134159/https://arm.slackware.com/
 | archive-date = 2022-09-14
 | quote        = 
}}
</ref>
architecture can be downloaded,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arm.slackware.com/getslack|title=Slackware ARM: Get Slack|author=Stuart Winter|website=Arm.slackware.com|access-date=May 26, 2015|archive-date=May 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527040947/http://arm.slackware.com/getslack/|url-status=live}}</ref> and installed via a network, using [[Das U-Boot]] and a [[TFTP]] boot server<ref>{{cite web|url=http://arm.slackware.com/installation/|title=Slackware Arm: Installation|website=Arm.slackware.com|access-date=May 28, 2015|archive-date=April 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429073221/http://arm.slackware.com/installation/|url-status=live}}</ref> or from a mini-root filesystem.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ftp.arm.slackware.com/slackwarearm/slackwarearm-devtools/minirootfs/README.txt |title=README.txt file for mini-root filesystem, Slackware ARM |access-date=May 19, 2013 |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405033240/http://ftp.arm.slackware.com/slackwarearm/slackwarearm-devtools/minirootfs/README.txt |url-status=live }}</ref>

Slackware ARM can also be installed on a PC running [[QEMU]]<ref>.

{{ Cite web
 | url          = https://docs.slackware.com/howtos:hardware:arm:qemu_support_in_slackware_arm
 | title        = Qemu Support in Slackware ARM
 | last         = 
 | first        = 
 | date         = 
 | website      = slackware.com
 | publisher    = The Slackware project
 | access-date  = 2022-09-14
 | url-status   = live
 | language     = 
 | archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20220618030106/https://docs.slackware.com/howtos:hardware:arm:qemu_support_in_slackware_arm
 | archive-date = 2022-06-18
 | quote        = Welcome to the Slackware Documentation Project
}}

</ref>
using the same technique.<ref>

{{ Cite web
 | url          = https://docs.slackware.com/slackwarearm:inst
 | title        = Slackware ARM & AArch64 Installation Documentation
 | last         = 
 | first        = 
 | date         = 
 | website      = slackware.com
 | publisher    = The Slackware project
 | access-date  = 2022-09-14
 | url-status   = live
 | language     = 
 | archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20220605135056/https://docs.slackware.com/slackwarearm:inst
 | archive-date = 2022-06-05
 | quote        = 
}}
</ref>

Slackware AArch64 (ARM64) is installed directly from SD card images in a similar fashion to installing Slackware x86 off a DVD.  It's also available as a generic bootable EFI ISO.

{{Portal bar|Linux|Open-source software}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|d=Q58436|b=Slackersbible|n=no|v=no|voy=no|s=no|m=no|mw=no|species=no|q=no}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{DistroWatch|Slackware|NAME=Slackware}}

{{Linux distributions}}

[[Category:Slackware| ]]
[[Category:ARM Linux distributions]]
[[Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines]]
[[Category:IA-32 Linux distributions]]
[[Category:IBM ESA/390 Linux distributions]]
[[Category:X86-64 Linux distributions]]
[[Category:1994 software]]
[[Category:Linux distributions without systemd]]
[[Category:Linux distributions]]