Software Alternatives & Startups

Slackware VS Devuan GNU+Linux

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

Slackware

Slackware Linux is an advanced Linux operating system, designed with the twin goals of ease of use...

Rating
0 reviews
Devuan GNU+Linux

Debian without Systemd

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Devuan GNU+Linux should be more popular than Slackware. It has been mentioned 7 times since March 2021.

social mentions
4 vs 7
Linux Distribution popularity
55% vs 45%
alternatives listed
92 vs 76

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Slackware
Devuan GNU+Linux
Website slackware.com devuan.org
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Slackware 5 features
Devuan GNU+Linux 4 features
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Slackware
Devuan GNU+Linux

Overall verdict

  • Slackware is considered a good Linux distribution for users who prefer a stable, traditional, and straightforward Linux experience. However, it might not be the best choice for those looking for a more user-friendly or feature-rich distribution with extensive graphical user interfaces and tools.

Why this product is good

  • Slackware is one of the oldest Linux distributions. It is known for its simplicity and being a no-frills, Unix-like operating system. Its design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and transparency. Users appreciate the control it provides and the fact that it stays true to Unix principles. It's renowned for its stability, lack of unnecessary bells and whistles, and the control it offers to the user over the operating system.

Recommended for

    Slackware is recommended for advanced Linux users, system administrators, and those who appreciate the Unix design philosophy. It's particularly suitable for users who want to have full control over their system configuration and prefer manual software management and configuration.

No analysis of Devuan GNU+Linux yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Slackware 3 videos + Add
Devuan GNU+Linux 2 videos + Add

Slackware 14 Install & Review

More videos

  • - A look at Slackware
  • - Moving to Slackware

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

More videos

  • - Devuan GNU+Linux presented at FSCONS 2016

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Slackware
Devuan GNU+Linux
55% 55%
45% 45%
51% 51%
49% 49%
57% 57%
43% 43%
58% 58%
42% 42%

User comments

Share your experience with using Slackware and Devuan GNU+Linux. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Slackware no reviews yet
Devuan GNU+Linux no reviews yet

We have no reviews of Devuan GNU+Linux yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Slackware 4 mentions
Devuan GNU+Linux 7 mentions
  • 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

View more

  • Store birth date in systemd for age verification
    Hello, as always: imho. (!) idk the exact procedure which will apply to enter the birth-date on such a system, but if other comments are correct: just enter what you want! There will be no real possibility to tie this to anything "legal"... - Source: Hacker News / 7 months ago
  • 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 3 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: almost 5 years ago

View more

Alternatives to Slackware and Devuan GNU+Linux

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