SlackWare Linux
Slackware Linux
Slackware Linux is one of the oldest and most enduring GNU/Linux distributions, originally created by Patrick Volkerding in 1993. Known for its simplicity, stability, and adherence to UNIX principles, Slackware remains a favorite among advanced users who prefer a no-frills, highly customizable operating system.
Usage on Madness.WIKI
Slackware Linux serves as the foundation for the Madness.WIKI Study Terminal Version 2.9. Its stability and long-term support align perfectly with the wiki's needs, ensuring that contributors have a reliable, consistent platform without the constant churn of frequent operating system upgrades.
Reasons for Selection
The choice of Slackware for Madness.WIKI was made for several key reasons:
- Connection to the Church of the SubGenius:
Patrick Volkerding has been publicly associated with the satirical "Church of the SubGenius," a parody religion that resonates with Madness.WIKI’s ethos of chaos, parody, and subversive thought.
- Long-Term Stability:
Slackware's release cycle is notably relaxed. New versions are spaced out enough that security updates continue for years without forcing users to reinstall or upgrade constantly.
- Minimal Bloat, Maximum Control:
Slackware avoids unnecessary abstractions. Users retain full control over their system's behavior, which is crucial for customized setups like the Madness.WIKI editing stations.
Key Characteristics
- Manual package management (using `pkgtool`, `installpkg`, `removepkg`, etc.)
- BSD-style init scripts
- No default dependency resolution (promoting understanding of system internals)
- KDE Plasma and XFCE as default desktop environments
- Emphasis on simplicity and transparency
Fun Fact
Slackware's official mascot is Tux the penguin, but in Slackware artwork, he is often depicted smoking a pipe — a likely nod to the SubGenius figure J.R. "Bob" Dobbs.