--- title: Slackware Reviews meta_title: 'Slackware Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 33 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Slackware works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.4 review_count: 33 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-07-13' parent_category: name: IT Infrastructure url: https://www.g2.com/categories/it-infrastructure --- # Slackware Reviews **Vendor:** Slackware **Category:** [Operating Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/operating-system) **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 33 ## About Slackware Slackware is a longstanding Linux distribution renowned for its simplicity, stability, and adherence to Unix-like principles. Developed by Patrick Volkerding in 1993, it is the oldest actively maintained Linux distribution. Slackware offers a comprehensive operating system suitable for various applications, from desktop workstations to server environments. Key Features and Functionality: - Simplicity and Stability: Slackware emphasizes a straightforward design, minimizing unnecessary modifications to upstream software to ensure a stable and reliable system. - Comprehensive Software Selection: It includes a wide array of software packages, such as the X Window System, development tools, networking utilities, and popular desktop environments like KDE and Xfce. - Flexible Package Management: Slackware utilizes a simple package management system that allows users to install, upgrade, and remove software packages without automatic dependency resolution, granting greater control over the system. - Manual Configuration: The distribution relies on plain text configuration files and shell scripts, enabling users to fine-tune their systems according to specific requirements. Primary Value and User Solutions: Slackware's primary value lies in providing a clean, stable, and flexible Linux environment that closely mirrors traditional Unix systems. It caters to users who prefer manual configuration and a deep understanding of their operating system, making it ideal for advanced users, system administrators, and those seeking a customizable and dependable platform. By avoiding unnecessary modifications and automation, Slackware empowers users with full control over their systems, ensuring a tailored computing experience. ## Slackware Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users commend Slackware for its **exceptional stability** and compatibility with various software, ensuring a reliable experience. (2 reviews) - Users value the **knowledgeable and helpful community support** of Slackware, enhancing the overall user experience. (1 reviews) - Users appreciate the **stability and compatibility** of Slackware with various software packages, minimizing bugs and issues. (1 reviews) - Users value the **straightforward and stable nature** of Slackware, complemented by a knowledgeable and helpful community. (1 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users face **installation issues** due to manual dependency management and inadequate documentation, making it challenging for beginners. (2 reviews) - Users find the **command line configuration challenging** , requiring extensive learning and manual setup for optimal use. (1 reviews) - Users note a **lack of support** due to inadequate documentation and a cumbersome installation process for beginners. (1 reviews) - Users note the **outdated technology** in Slackware, especially the package manager and documentation, hindering usability for newcomers. (1 reviews) - Users often face **manual dependency requirements** , leading to difficulties with package installation if unfamiliar with the process. (1 reviews) - Usage Difficulty (1 reviews) ## Slackware Discussions - [Is Slackware a good distro?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-slackware-a-good-distro) - 1 comment, 1 upvote - [what is the best way to have OS selection Startup with slackware on the list ?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-the-best-way-to-have-os-selection-startup-with-slackware-on-the-list) - 1 comment, 1 upvote - [Why Slackware?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/why-slackware) - 2 comments, 1 upvote - [Is Slackware still relevant 2020?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-slackware-still-relevant-2020) - 1 comment - [View Slackware pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/slackware/reviews?page=2§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-14+04%3A34%3A03+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=40e461f2-d4b3-4e67-aee6-98e9f6196035&secure%5Btoken%5D=a2639da8532edcff7804d2aa759ccbe77b63e7452387dadd22be55df5c6ae7fb&format=llm_user) ## Slackware Integrations - [Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-ansible-automation-platform/reviews) ## Slackware Features **Memory Management - Operating System** - RAM management **Device Management - Operating System** - I/O management **Backup and Recovery - Operating System** - Data backup **Error Detection - Operating System** - System operations monitoring ## Top Slackware Alternatives - [Debian](https://www.g2.com/products/debian/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (219 reviews) - [Gentoo](https://www.g2.com/products/gentoo/reviews) - 4.1/5.0 (37 reviews) - [CentOS](https://www.g2.com/products/centos/reviews) - 4.4/5.0 (408 reviews)