# Comparing Arch Linux and Slackware (2025-08-14) **URL:** \ **Category:** Code Reading\ **Created:** [August 14, 2025, 12:45pm UTC](https://pluralist.net/t/comparing-arch-linux-and-slackware-2025-08-14/301 "2025-08-14T12:45:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![delyan](https://pluralist.net/user_avatar/pluralist.net/delyan/32/245_2.png) [@delyan](https://pluralist.net/u/delyan)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2025, 12:45pm UTC](https://pluralist.net/t/comparing-arch-linux-and-slackware-2025-08-14/301/1 "2025-08-14T12:45:42Z")
| 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](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Arch_Linux?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Arch Linux - ArchWiki"), [slackware.com](https://www.slackware.com/announce/15.0.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Slackware 15.0"), [mirrors.xmission.com](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/ "Index of /slackware/slackware64-current/")) | | **Release model** | Rolling; you `pacman -Syu` to stay current. ([ArchWiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Arch_Linux?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Arch Linux - ArchWiki")) | Fixed releases (e.g., 15.0) + **-current** (development) tree. ([mirrors.xmission.com](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/ "Index of /slackware/slackware64-current/")) | | **Architectures** | Officially **x86-64 only** ; i686 support ended Nov 2017. ([ArchWiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Frequently_asked_questions?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Frequently asked questions - ArchWiki"), [Arch Linux](https://archlinux.org/news/the-end-of-i686-support/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "News: The end of i686 support")) | **x86-64** and **IA-32 (32-bit)** builds; official ARM/AArch64 port exists (Slackware ARM). ([slackware.com](https://www.slackware.com/announce/15.0.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Slackware 15.0"), [It’s FOSS](https://itsfoss.com/switch-kernels-arch-linux/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Zen or LTS: Switch Kernels in Arch Linux")) | | **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](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Frequently_asked_questions?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Frequently asked questions - 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](https://www.slackware.com/install/sysreq.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Checking System Requirements"), [mirrors.xmission.com](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/README.TXT "mirrors.xmission.com")) | | **Kernel policy** | Tracks **latest stable** kernel in the `linux` package (optional `linux-lts`). ([ArchWiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Arch_Linux?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Arch Linux - ArchWiki")) | Ships **huge** (installer/emergency) and **generic** kernels; generic is recommended with an **initrd**. 15.0 included Linux **5.15.19**. ([mirrors.xmission.com](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/CHANGES_AND_HINTS.TXT "mirrors.xmission.com")) | | **Init (PID 1) & services** | **systemd** ; manage with `systemctl`. ([ArchWiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Arch_Linux?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Arch Linux - ArchWiki")) | **sysvinit** with **BSD-style rc scripts** in `/etc/rc.d` (no systemd). ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/slackware/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Slackware")) | | **Initramfs tool** | **mkinitcpio** by default (Dracut also available). ([GitHub](https://github.com/archlinux/archinstall?utm_source=chatgpt.com "archlinux/archinstall: Arch Linux installer")) | **mkinitrd** (documented in tree). ([mirrors.xmission.com](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/README.TXT "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](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Kernel_parameters?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Kernel parameters - 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](https://www.slackware.com/releasenotes/15.0.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Slackware Release Notes")) | Text-mode **ncurses `setup`** with series selection; traditional and predictable. Official HOWTO/README guide the flow. ([mirrors.xmission.com](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/README.TXT "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](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/README.TXT "mirrors.xmission.com")) | | **Package manager** | **pacman** (`.pkg.tar.zst`), with automatic dependency resolution; build via **PKGBUILD/makepkg**. ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/archlinux/comments/1ejofbd/archinstall_is_a_reliable_and_official_method_to/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Archinstall is a reliable and official method to install Arch?")) | **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](https://docs.slackware.com/slackware%3Apackage_management_hands_on?utm_source=chatgpt.com "slackware:package\_management\_hands\_on - SlackDocs"), [slackpkg.org](https://www.slackpkg.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "slackpkg - utility to help package management in Slackware"), [Akamai]([https://www.linode.com/docs/guides/slackware-package-management/?utm\_source=chatgpt.com](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](https://www.jeremymorgan.com/blog/linux/how-to-install-arch-linux-installer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Trying out the Arch Linux Guided Installer")) | **[SlackBuilds.org](http://SlackBuilds.org)** provides vetted build scripts for third-party software. ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slackware?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Slackware")) | | **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](https://docs.slackware.com/slackware%3Apackage_management_hands_on?utm_source=chatgpt.com "slackware:package\_management\_hands\_on - SlackDocs")) | | **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](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/CHANGES_AND_HINTS.TXT "mirrors.xmission.com")) | | **PAM / auth** | PAM standard (via systemd stack). | PAM **now shipped by Slackware** (since 15 series/dev cycle). ([mirrors.xmission.com](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/CHANGES_AND_HINTS.TXT "mirrors.xmission.com")) | | **Documentation** | **ArchWiki** : famously comprehensive and extremely active; hundreds of active editors in the last 30 days. ([ArchWiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/ArchWiki%3AStatistics?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ArchWiki:Statistics")) | **SlackDocs** + the **Slackware Book** ; active but smaller footprint; many users rely on forum READMEs and AlienBOB posts too. ([docs.slackware.com](https://docs.slackware.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "SlackDocs - Slackware Linux")) | | **Community size (rough signals)** | Very large subreddit & forum; constant wiki churn and new content. ([Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/archlinux/ "Arch Linux"), [ArchWiki](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/ArchWiki%3AStatistics?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ArchWiki:Statistics")) | Smaller, tight-knit community centered on LinuxQuestions’ Slackware forum, SlackDocs, and core dev blogs. ([docs.slackware.com](https://docs.slackware.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "SlackDocs - Slackware Linux")) | | **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](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slackware?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Slackware")) | | **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](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Frequently_asked_questions?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Frequently asked questions - ArchWiki")) - **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](https://www.slackware.com/install/sysreq.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Checking System Requirements"), [mirrors.xmission.com](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/README.TXT "mirrors.xmission.com")) ### Nuances that matter - **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](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Arch_Linux?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Arch Linux - ArchWiki"), [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/slackware/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Slackware")) - **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](https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Kernel_parameters?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Kernel parameters - ArchWiki")) - **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](https://www.jeremymorgan.com/blog/linux/how-to-install-arch-linux-installer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Trying out the Arch Linux Guided Installer"), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slackware?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Slackware"), [docs.slackware.com](https://docs.slackware.com/slackware%3Apackage_management_hands_on?utm_source=chatgpt.com "slackware:package\_management\_hands\_on - SlackDocs")) - **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](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/CHANGES_AND_HINTS.TXT "mirrors.xmission.com")) - **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](https://mirrors.xmission.com/slackware/slackware64-current/CHANGES_AND_HINTS.TXT "mirrors.xmission.com"))