Customer Rating: 
Summary: You get MORE than you pay for!
Comment: I'm a complete Linux newbie. Although I've worked with a number of operating systems--from DOS 2.something to Win2K, VAX/VMS, OS/400 and MPE--I really haven't used any of the UNIX-based OS's. After hearing all of the noise about Linux, I decided it was time to try it. I'll be honest--I chose Slackware because of its price. I know, I could have downloaded it for free, but then I'd have to buy manuals (or do a LOT of on-line research) and since I don't have a CD burner, it seemed easiest to buy a packaged product.I made the right choice. Installation was a breeze! I read the "Slackware Linux Essentials" book that comes with the CD's from cover to cover, then read Mr. Volkerding's installation guide (included in the CD set) as well before beginning my installation, then used both manuals as a reference while actually performing the install. It took a few hours to load the OS, but then I wasn't devoting my full attention, either. My installation worked right away, and I've picked up the very tip-of-the-iceberg basics fairly quickly, too. Granted, I have not yet attempted to configure the X environment (I'm still looking for the manuals for some of my hardware :) and I'm telnetting to that PC anyway).
If you are not used to UNIX/Linux, some features, such as the requirement to mount and unmount CD's or floppies (and cd out of the /CDROM directory before trying to umount!) may seem a little quirky, but it's really fairly easy to use.
If you are tired of "doing windows", but are scared away from Linux by all of the "gotta be a guru to use it" hype, give Slackware a try. Just read the manual first--and it IS readable, for a technical document. For 20 bucks, you can't go wrong!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Make the most of your computer
Comment: Over the years, Slackware has gained a reputation for itself as being the "hard way" to do Linux. People think that because it has a text-based installer -- as opposed to a fancy-pants graphical one -- that it must be 'older' or 'harder' or 'primitive.' Well shame on anyone that thinks like this, because they don't realize that this is Linux in its purest, and un-Redmondized form. Slackware is for everyone that wants to take control of their computer, not the other way around.I've always been a no-frills kind of guy, when it comes to computers. When I used Windows, I always hated a cluttered desktop, I hated when Windows would load all sorts of useless programs in the background without letting me know... It always made me wish that there was a way to use my computer efficiently, without running "msconfig" to get rid of everything I didn't like about Windows, and Slackware was the answer.
When installing Slackware, it gives you a straightforward, easy-to-use way of adding and removing any packages you don't want or need on your computer. It only installs what you want, and what you absolutely need... And it leaves the rest up to you. Configuring the X Windows system is also as easy as ever. Run one simple program, make some choices regarding your video card and monitor, and you're ready to go. Anyone that thinks this minimalistic effort is "too much" needs to step back and realize how much Windows spoon feeds them; it's time to grow up.
It's also worth noting that the book that comes with this particluar package (Slackware Essentials) is pretty helpful as well. It's not the kind of book you just sit down and read, but it serves as an excellent reference when you hit a mind block.
Slackware is everything you need your computer to be: Fast, efficient, simple, reliable... It's all here. If you're getting tired of being unable to take full control of your computer, this is definitely what you're looking for. ...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Not the easiest, but certainly a great Linux distro
Comment: I've used Slackware since 1996, and while it's definitely not the easiest distribution of Linux to install, I really like it. The installer isn't pointy-clicky, but it is very straightforward.Get Slack if you:
* Want a sturdy, powerful server without all the cutesy flab that you get with Red Hat, etc. mostly oriented towards desktop users.
* Are a power user, and want a Linux desktop or development platform that's not bogged down with useless fluff.
* Want a Linux system that can be easily trimmed down for use on low-end machines, like a 486 with 400MB of disk space. It sounds like "ancient" hardware, but with Slack, you can turn it into a nice little router or firewall.
But, don't get Slack if...
* You're not comfortable with the console
* You really like GUI installs that take care of everything for you
* You don't feel comfortable with configuring things manually, without the benefit of tons of auto-config tools.
Basically, if you're comfortable with using your computer and you want to get the most out of it, Slackware is a great way to go. I highly recommend it to power users and those who want to get their hands dirty with a powerful version of Linux.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Advanced Linux users/admins ... here's your answer!
Comment: So this might be a little harder to use than DeadKat ... but it all depends on perspective.If you're the type of person that likes everything done for you, can't use a console, and doesn't read logs ... then this is not for you (check out BigSlack instead).
However, if you're a control freak when it comes to your computer, if you know your hardware on a first-name-basis, and if you like to have FULL and UNLIMITED scalability and customization options with the power, stability, and flexibility of Linux (ie: as much or litte as you want), then this is definitely for you!
There's no such thing as Linux software that only runs on one distrobution, so don't let that hold you back (if you don't believe me, then once again, this is not for you).
To summarize, here's who should try something else (or rethink their motives): (1) ordinary beginners, or those who don't have the time/desire to learn, (2) people who don't like linux, or want linux to be windows, (3) those who really only need and want a simple destkop system
here's who would benefit by using Slackware: (1) beginners who have the time and desire to learn everything about their linux system, and aren't afraid of challenges, (2) system admins that run webservers, mail servers, routers, firewalls, or anything else that demands a high level of customization, (3) those who want to make the most of their hardware's capabilities
I hope this review has been helpful!
Customer Rating:
Summary: slackware linux
Comment: after using a wide range of linux distbrutions, slackware I have found is easily the best, with only the addition of debian's apt-get command, slackware would be the supreme distbrution. it is however only for experenced users, even if red hat clones are the easier way to go, they just dont feel right.
