Slackware was designed by Patrick Volkerding in 1993. Based on the Softlanding Linux System, Slackware is the oldest Linux distribution still maintained. It strives not to anticipate user situations or preclude user decisions. Unlike most recent Linux distributions, Slackware does not offer graphical installation or automatic package dependency resolution. Slackware is available for IA-32 and x86 64, with an ARM port.
While Slackware is primarily free and open-source software, it lacks a structured bug tracking system and a public code repository. There is no formal developer membership system, and Volkerding is the primary contributor.
Slackware Linux provides new and experienced users alike with a fully-featured system, equipped to serve in any capacity from desktop workstation to machine-room server.
Web servers, ftp servers, and email servers are a wide selection of popular desktop environments. A full range of development tools, editors, and current libraries is included for users who wish to develop or compile additional software.