Slackware VS CloudLinux

• 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

• 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.

• Enhanced Server Stability
  CloudLinux uses its lightweight virtualization technology (LVE) to isolate each tenant on a shared hosting server, preventing any single user from consuming excessive resources and crashing the server for everyone else. This ensures consistent uptime and performance.
• Improved Security with HardenedPHP and KernelCare
  CloudLinux offers HardenedPHP, which patches old and unsupported PHP versions against known vulnerabilities, and KernelCare, which provides live kernel patching without requiring server reboots. These features significantly enhance server security posture.
• Resource Limit Management
  Administrators can set granular resource limits (CPU, memory, I/O, number of processes, etc.) per user account using LVE Manager. This makes it easy to manage shared hosting environments and ensure fair resource distribution among tenants.
• CageFS File System Virtualization
  CageFS creates a virtualized file system for each user, preventing them from seeing other users on the server, viewing sensitive configuration files, or exploiting server vulnerabilities. This adds an important layer of isolation and security.
• Wide Compatibility with Hosting Panels
  CloudLinux integrates seamlessly with popular hosting control panels such as cPanel, Plesk, and DirectAdmin, making it straightforward for hosting providers to adopt without overhauling their existing infrastructure or workflows.

Possible disadvantages

• Additional Licensing Cost
  CloudLinux requires a paid monthly or annual license on top of the base server cost. For smaller hosting providers or individual server owners, this additional expense can add up and may not always be justifiable compared to free alternatives.
• Limited to CentOS/RHEL-Based Systems
  CloudLinux is built on top of RHEL/CentOS and does not support other Linux distributions like Ubuntu or Debian. This limits its adoption for hosting providers who prefer or already run non-RHEL-based environments.
• Learning Curve for Configuration
  While CloudLinux provides powerful resource management tools, properly configuring LVE limits, CageFS, PHP Selector, and other features requires a solid understanding of the platform. Misconfiguration can lead to users being unnecessarily restricted or resources being poorly allocated.
• Potential Performance Overhead
  The additional layers of virtualization, resource monitoring, and file system isolation introduced by CloudLinux can impose a slight performance overhead on the server compared to running a bare, unmodified Linux distribution without these controls.
• Dependency on CloudLinux Ecosystem
  Adopting CloudLinux means relying on their ecosystem for kernel updates, PHP patches, and security fixes. If the company experiences delays in releasing patches or changes its pricing/licensing model, hosting providers may find themselves locked into a dependency that is difficult to migrate away from.

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  www.ionos.com · Jan 2023

  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.

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  cloudinfrastructureservices.co.uk · Jan 2022

  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...

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• 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: over 4 years ago

• Slackware 15 multilib

  Using the slackware.uk mirror of Alienbob's content is a LOT faster than going to slackware.com:. Source: over 4 years ago

• Slackware 15.0 x86 stable is released

  Stay tuned to http://slackware.com and the ##slackware IRC channel on. - Source: Hacker News / over 4 years ago

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Tracking CloudLinux since Mar 2021.