| Dimension | Arch Linux | Slackware Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Latest stable | Rolling (no versioned point release). | 15.0 released Feb 2, 2022; active -current branch is updated continuously. (ArchWiki, slackware.com, mirrors.xmission.com) |
| Release model | Rolling; you pacman -Syu to stay current. (ArchWiki) |
Fixed releases (e.g., 15.0) + -current (development) tree. (mirrors.xmission.com) |
| Architectures | Officially x86-64 only; i686 support ended Nov 2017. (ArchWiki, Arch Linux) | x86-64 and IA-32 (32-bit) builds; official ARM/AArch64 port exists (Slackware ARM). (slackware.com, It’s FOSS) |
| Minimum CPU/RAM (installable OS) | Arch supports x86-64 only and the official guide notes ≥512 MiB RAM (more for a comfortable install/DE). (ArchWiki) | Slackware’s classic sys-req page lists 486 CPU, 64 MB RAM (historic, very conservative). In practice for Slackware 15.x: x86-64 CPU for 64-bit; ~1 GB RAM is a sane floor for a usable desktop. (slackware.com, mirrors.xmission.com) |
| Kernel policy | Tracks latest stable kernel in the linux package (optional linux-lts). (ArchWiki) |
Ships huge (installer/emergency) and generic kernels; generic is recommended with an initrd. 15.0 included Linux 5.15.19. (mirrors.xmission.com) |
| Init (PID 1) & services | systemd; manage with systemctl. (ArchWiki) |
sysvinit with BSD-style rc scripts in /etc/rc.d (no systemd). (Reddit) |
| Initramfs tool | mkinitcpio by default (Dracut also available). (GitHub) | mkinitrd (documented in tree). (mirrors.xmission.com) |
| Boot on ISO / Secure Boot | Arch install medium uses systemd-boot (UEFI) and Syslinux (BIOS); Secure Boot not supported on the official ISO. (ArchWiki) | Installer/configs cover UEFI; Slackware recommends ELILO for UEFI, LILO for BIOS (GRUB possible). Typically disable Secure Boot. |
| Installer | Live ISO + guided archinstall (or manual). Very flexible. (slackware.com) |
Text-mode ncurses setup with series selection; traditional and predictable. Official HOWTO/README guide the flow. (mirrors.xmission.com) |
| Default desktop | None preselected; pick anything (Plasma, GNOME, Xfce, tiling WMs, etc.). | Full desktops included on media (e.g., KDE Plasma, Xfce in 15.0) but you still choose what to install. (mirrors.xmission.com) |
| Package manager | pacman (.pkg.tar.zst), with automatic dependency resolution; build via PKGBUILD/makepkg. (Reddit) |
pkgtools (installpkg, upgradepkg, removepkg; interactive pkgtool) and slackpkg for mirror updates; no automatic dep-res by design (third-party tools like slpkg/slapt-get exist). (docs.slackware.com, slackpkg.org, [Akamai](https://www.linode.com/docs/guides/slackware-package-management/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How to Manage Packages in Slackware |
| Community packages | AUR (huge user-build repo; PKGBUILDs reviewed by users / TUs). (Jeremy Morgan) | SlackBuilds.org provides vetted build scripts for third-party software. (Wikipedia) |
| Update workflow | pacman -Syu (read Arch News when hooks require manual steps). |
slackpkg update; slackpkg upgrade-all against your chosen Slackware mirror. (docs.slackware.com) |
| Networking | You choose: NetworkManager, systemd-networkd, etc. | Classic /etc/rc.d/rc.inet1.conf scripts (now iproute2-based), with NetworkManager available if you prefer. (mirrors.xmission.com) |
| PAM / auth | PAM standard (via systemd stack). | PAM now shipped by Slackware (since 15 series/dev cycle). (mirrors.xmission.com) |
| Documentation | ArchWiki: famously comprehensive and extremely active; hundreds of active editors in the last 30 days. (ArchWiki) | SlackDocs + the Slackware Book; active but smaller footprint; many users rely on forum READMEs and AlienBOB posts too. (docs.slackware.com) |
| Community size (rough signals) | Very large subreddit & forum; constant wiki churn and new content. (Reddit, ArchWiki) | Smaller, tight-knit community centered on LinuxQuestions’ Slackware forum, SlackDocs, and core dev blogs. (docs.slackware.com) |
| Configuration philosophy | Minimal base + compose your system; modern defaults (systemd, Wayland-friendly). | As Unix-like as possible; ships closer to upstream, favors simplicity and admin control (you run the rc scripts, pick bootloader, etc.). (Wikipedia) |
| Who it’s best for | Users who want a current stack, fast access to new software, and are comfortable reading/maintaining configs. | Users who value stability with control, classic Unix feel, and predictable, transparent shell-scripted init. |
Practical minimum hardware (my take, with sources and realistic caveats)
-
Arch: You need x86-64 and ≥512 MiB RAM to bootstrap from the ISO; realistically 1–2 GiB for a smooth CLI install and ≥4 GiB for a mainstream desktop. (ArchWiki)
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Slackware: The historical page says 486 / 64 MB (this predates 15.x); 64-bit Slackware obviously needs x86-64. In practice, plan on ~1 GiB for a light desktop (Xfce), and more for a full Plasma session. (slackware.com, mirrors.xmission.com)
Nuances that matter
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Init & services: Arch’s systemd brings unified logging, timers, cgroups, and a consistent service model. Slackware’s rc scripts are transparent and easy to audit; fewer moving parts, but less built-in orchestration. (ArchWiki, Reddit)
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Booting: Arch’s ISO uses systemd-boot/Syslinux; Slackware’s docs steer UEFI installs toward ELILO, with LILO for legacy BIOS (GRUB fully viable on both). Secure Boot generally off on Slackware; Arch’s ISO doesn’t support SB. (ArchWiki)
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Packaging ecosystems: Arch’s AUR is massive and fast-moving; Slackware’s SBo is smaller but curated. Slackware’s official tooling intentionally does not resolve deps—many admins prefer the explicitness. (Jeremy Morgan, Wikipedia, docs.slackware.com)
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Networking defaults: Slackware’s rc.inet1 now uses iproute2; IPv6 SLAAC default is off (you opt in). Arch leaves you to pick NM/systemd-networkd/iwd/etc. (mirrors.xmission.com)
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Kernels: Slackware ships huge (catch-all) vs generic (paired with initrd); Slackware explicitly recommends generic+initrd for daily use. Arch tracks latest stable and makes LTS easy to switch to. (mirrors.xmission.com)