Slackware Linux 15.0
Available downloads
Choose the image that matches your architecture and use case.
Reference screenshot; point releases may differ. The Slackware Linux Project; screenshot credited to DistroWatch by source · Source · GNU GPL (see source)
Description
Slackware Linux is an independent distribution known for traditional Unix-like administration, conservative integration and a straightforward package format. Slackware 15.0 remains the current stable release, while the separate current branch contains ongoing development toward a future release.
Who is Slackware Linux for?
Slackware Linux is primarily suited to daily desktop use, study, web browsing and productivity; servers, virtual machines and self-hosted services; experienced Linux users who want detailed control over the system. Before choosing it, compare the current release lifecycle with the length of support required for the machine. This distribution is based on independent, which influences package formats, repositories and much of the available documentation. The listed desktop environment is KDE Plasma, Xfce and user selected; confirm its memory, graphics and accessibility requirements on the official project site. The best choice depends on hardware support, preferred software, update policy and the amount of system administration the user wants to perform.
Before installing
Read the release notes and installation guide before downloading. Select an image that matches the processor architecture and intended use: desktop, server, live media, virtual machine or another published edition. Test Wi-Fi, graphics, audio, storage and suspend from live media when that option is available. Back up important files before repartitioning, encryption changes or dual-boot installation. For production deployment, verify application compatibility, upgrade paths, backup restoration and the project security-support policy in a non-production environment first. Download from an official project page or mirror, compare the published SHA-256 checksum, and verify a signed checksum when the project provides one. After installation, apply updates before adding third-party repositories or drivers.
Advantages
- Offers installation or deployment options intended for server and infrastructure workloads.
Limitations
- Installation or administration may require more Linux knowledge than beginner-focused systems.
- Its independent package ecosystem can have fewer third-party instructions than Debian-, Ubuntu- or Arch-based systems.
Distribution details
- System type
- linux_distribution
- Based on
- independent
- Desktop
- KDE Plasma, Xfce and user selected
- Updates
- Stable releases
- Categories
- desktop, server, advanced
Installation requirements
- Architectures
- x86_64x86arm
- Memory
- Not yet verified
- Storage
- Not yet verified
- Firmware
- Consult the installation guide
Memory and storage depend strongly on enabled services, workload, redundancy and retention. Size production systems from the official deployment documentation.
Safe download
The download button first records an anonymous aggregated download counter and then redirects to the official source.
After installing Slackware
Six post-installation checks based on project documentation. Commands are examples for your own system, not an automatic installation script. Review your edition and current release notices first.
Create a normal user
If installation left only root, use Slackware’s interactive account setup from a root shell, then use the new account for everyday tasks.
Before you continue: Do not recreate an existing account. Read each group and password prompt.
Read project documentation: Create a normal useradduserChoose one release-matched mirror
In /etc/slackpkg/mirrors enable a single mirror for your release and architecture, not a -current mirror.
Before you continue: Mixing release branches can turn a routine update into a distribution upgrade.
Read project documentation: Choose one release-matched mirrorInitialize package metadata
After choosing the mirror, initialize the signing keys and package index in a root shell.
Before you continue: Investigate signature errors rather than disabling verification.
Read project documentation: Initialize package metadataslackpkg update gpg && slackpkg updateReview package updates
Follow the slackpkg guide to review and apply available patches. Read package and kernel notes before restarting.
Before you continue: Back up local configuration first; updates need administrator supervision.
Read project documentation: Review package updatesDo not blindly clean third-party packages
The clean-system operation can select third-party packages for removal. It is not a mandatory fresh-installation cleanup step.
Before you continue: Review the blacklist and every removal candidate before using cleanup.
Read project documentation: Do not blindly clean third-party packagesConfigure desktop and language deliberately
Use the beginner guide to choose a desktop and localization. Keep the normal user account separate from root maintenance sessions.
Read project documentation: Configure desktop and language deliberately