Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Devuan GNU+Linux VS Slackware

Compare Devuan GNU+Linux VS Slackware and see what are their differences

Devuan GNU+Linux logo Devuan GNU+Linux

Debian without Systemd

Slackware logo Slackware

Slackware Linux is an advanced Linux operating system, designed with the twin goals of ease of use...
  • Devuan GNU+Linux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2020-01-19
  • Slackware Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-04-20

Devuan GNU+Linux features and specs

  • Systemd-Free
    Devuan does not use systemd as its init system, which appeals to users who prefer alternative init systems like sysvinit due to systemd's complexity and perceived centralized control.
  • Stability
    Devuan aims to provide a stable and consistent operating environment by forking from Debian without using systemd, suitable for users who value stability over the latest features.
  • Compatibility
    Devuan maintains a high level of compatibility with Debian, allowing users to access a wide range of software packages available in the Debian repositories, minus those requiring systemd.
  • Privacy and Control
    By avoiding systemd, some users feel they have greater control over their system's processes, enhancing privacy and reducing potential data collection.

Possible disadvantages of Devuan GNU+Linux

  • Limited Software Support
    Some modern software packages that depend on systemd may not be available or function optimally on Devuan, potentially limiting choices for users requiring such software.
  • Smaller Community
    As a relatively niche distribution compared to Debian, Devuan has a smaller community, which may result in less community support and fewer resources or tutorials.
  • Delayed Updates
    Updates on Devuan may lag behind other distributions, as it takes time to ensure compatibility without systemd, which might affect users seeking the latest software features or security fixes.
  • Complex Migration
    Users migrating from systemd-based systems may face complexities or a steeper learning curve as they adapt to different init systems used in Devuan.

Slackware features and specs

  • Simplicity
    Slackware follows a philosophy of simplicity and minimalism, providing a system that is free from unnecessary layers or GUIs, allowing users to have more control over their environment.
  • Stability
    The distribution is known for its stability as it uses well-tested components and avoids including any experimental features.
  • Unix-Like Experience
    Slackware provides a very Unix-like experience, which is appealing to advanced users looking to work closer to the system's core without abstractive layers.
  • Customization
    With Slackware's minimal default setup, users can customize their system extensively according to their needs and preferences.
  • Comprehensive Documentation
    Slackware’s documentation and supportive community help users understand the system better and solve issues on their own.

Possible disadvantages of Slackware

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Slackware can be challenging for beginners due to its manual configuration requirements and lack of GUIs for system management.
  • Limited Package Management
    Unlike other distributions with advanced package management systems (e.g., APT, YUM), Slackware relies on a more manual approach, making software management potentially cumbersome.
  • Fewer Automated Tools
    Slackware lacks some automated tools that other distributions provide, requiring users to perform more manual setup and maintenance tasks.
  • Slower Release Cycle
    Its slower release cycle means that the distribution might not always provide the latest software versions, which may not appeal to users wanting the most current applications.
  • Less Commercial Support
    Compared to more popular distributions, Slackware has less commercial support, which could be a limitation for enterprise environments looking for professional assistance.

Devuan GNU+Linux videos

Devuan GNU+Linux 3.0.0 overview | software freedom, your way

More videos:

  • Review - Devuan GNU+Linux presented at FSCONS 2016

Slackware videos

Slackware 14 Install & Review

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Devuan GNU+Linux and Slackware)
Operating Systems
42 42%
58% 58
Linux Distribution
40 40%
60% 60
Linux
37 37%
63% 63
Linux Distro
42 42%
58% 58

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Devuan GNU+Linux and Slackware

Devuan GNU+Linux Reviews

We have no reviews of Devuan GNU+Linux yet.
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Slackware Reviews

The best Linux distributions (operating systems)
Slackware is the oldest Linux variant still used and maintained today. Installation and configuration is performed via scripts. For users in search of the original Linux experience, Slackware is perhaps the best choice.
Source: www.ionos.com
Best Top 20 Ubuntu Linux Alternatives (Pros and Cons)
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...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Devuan GNU+Linux should be more popular than Slackware. It has been mentiond 6 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Devuan GNU+Linux mentions (6)

  • User and Admin Documentation?
    I'm a new user with first install. Are there any user guides / admin guides available? I'm not seeing much documentation available at devuan.org -- maybe my eyes glaze over(?). Source: over 2 years ago
  • I removed Gnome and snapd from Ubuntu and it turns out the system underneath is reasonably lightweight with 130M ram and 2.8G disk usage.
    If Canonical spin a variant without systemd, possibly choosing Devuan as the base, it'll be great. Possibly, less resource hungry. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Trisquel GNU/Linux
    Trisquel's FAQ says: > Why should I use Trisquel instead of one of the better-known distributions? > There are literally hundreds of GNU/Linux distributions designed to fill every conceivable niche. Only a handful of them are entirely free software; Trisquel is one such distribution. ... But I disagree. Trisquel is based on ubuntu, and uses systemd. Not just as some optional init system you can remove -... - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
  • Move from Ubuntu?
    If you're experienced, look at Devuan Chimaera. BTW, I always felt Gnome is the most productive work environment with that UI. I think Cinnamon may come close. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Help me pick a distro for Dell 300M.
    A Devuan basic installation with a lightweight desktop will work. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

Slackware mentions (4)

  • My first Linux installation!
    Congrats on making it past the slackware.com Install Help page that seeks to walk you through selection of non-existing boot and root floppy disks. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Slackware 15 multilib
    Using the slackware.uk mirror of Alienbob's content is a LOT faster than going to slackware.com:. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Slackware 15.0 x86 stable is released
    Stay tuned to http://slackware.com and the ##slackware IRC channel on. - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • Slackware 15 is on the way
    No Date for release candidate, But Patrick Volkerding, on slackware.com. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Devuan GNU+Linux and Slackware, you can also consider the following products

Gentoo - The website of Gentoo, a flexible Linux or BSD distribution.

Debian - Debian is a free distribution of the GNU/Linux operating system.

Void Linux - Void is a general purpose operating system, based on the monolithic Linux kernel.

Artix Linux - Artix Linux, a systemd-free linux distribution.

Arch Linux - You've reached the website for Arch Linux, a lightweight and flexible Linux® distribution that tries to Keep It Simple. Currently we have official packages optimized for the x86-64 architecture.

Manjaro - Manjaro Linux is a linux distribution which is based on arch linux. It uses the PACMAN package manager.