A Look at Slackware Linux 10.2
Posted Mar 10, 2006 23:55 UTC (Fri) by
d00bid00b (guest, #36415)
Parent article:
A Look at Slackware Linux 10.2
Slackware is quite simply a marvellous GNU/Linux distribution. Ordinarily I tend not to join the mob, but on this occasion I am with the previous posters all the way.
My unsolicited little piece of wisdom is quite simply this: GNU/Linux Slackware just works!! There are no two ways about it. I have cursed it for the very same reasons that I come back to it: because it places the user in control of the system s/he is operating. In this chaotic and soul-destroying cubicle-farm world we spend the majority of our lives in, the prospect of being able to mold one's computer into the kind of machine one wishes is intoxicating!!!
While the lure to blindly follow the beat of "progress" is itself seductive, in modern technological development all too often the question of ethics or the question as to whether a given innovation is worth the consequences are easily glossed over. It is refreshing, and strangely reassuring, that Pat Volkerding &C. still take the time to weigh up the value of progress against the pressure to "upgrade", especially when doing so undermines the stability of what has been established. In short, Pat and his colleagues invite a fundamentally ethical investment with the user world: the basic Slackware system will be reliable, it will be stable, it will withstand however many stupid user errors are thrown at it and rebound with the pipe clenched firmly between Bob Dobbs' teeth. Now, that is reassuring. And I, as a user and part-time developer, want to be able to lean on something as rock solid as my Slackware distribution.
I have sworn by Slackware since 8.1, which was an absolute Godsend on the cover of a magazine here in the UK. I have stayed true to Slackware since those days when the entire distro could fit onto one CD!! In fact, Slackware 8.1 had to be loaded via floppy disks, if I recall correctly. And I have sworn by the distro ever since.
Rock on Patrick!!! Well done - you have my vote for the most gracious and elegant GNU/Linux distribution of them all. No matter which alternative I try, Slackware is the home to which I return.
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