Slackware 14.2 is now available in beta version

Just a few days ago the beta version of Slackware 14.2, This is one of the most powerful and stable distros that can be found within the Linux universe, for something it is the oldest distribution (with almost 23 years of use) still active.

Slackware, created by Patrick Volkerding is widely preferred by many free software users, and in this first beta edition of SlackwareLinux 14.2 comes with an update of its kernel, in addition to having the usual environments KDE y XfceIn addition, its team of developers made some interesting changes in regards to the sound configuration, replacing ALSA with Pulse Audio.

This new beta version comes with some security improvements, they have also fixed some bugs and something they have focused on has been the "fluidity" of this distro.

Slackware is a distro that has always been characterized by its simplicity (and it can be said that it is its cover letter), always faithful to the style UNIX, and of course the stability it brings to the user, then it might not be a surprise if they end up opting for KDE 4.14.3 and they do not risk with plasma 5 following his conservative attitude. However, if we lean towards a lighter option, we can get hold of the services of Xfce 4.12 and accompany it with a window manager like blackbox, fluxbox or maybe WindowMaker.

Its kernel has also been modified and optimized to a more recent version such as 4.4.0 LTS, the compiler GCC 4.3, Eudev 3.15, xorg 2.10.1, as well as the Table 11.0.8. In addition to programs and tools of daily use such as Firefox 43. The Startup System remains sysvinitApparently, like Gentoo they don't bother using systemd.

Another important aspect that stands out at first glance is the incorporation of the sound server PressAudio, an important utility to achieve and maintain compatibility between Bluetooth audio devices, or for the transmission of audio via HDMI.

Something more than curious is that Slackware It is not distributed in live mode, however its installation is far from being too complicated for an intermediate Linux user, but you must bear in mind that to avoid problems it is better to follow the instructions of your web page (particularly when using cfdisk) and if you are a beginner user the installation is very little (or not at all) friendly compared to other distributions that are easier to install.

If you haven't used the oldest GNU / Linux distribution but that is still in force (almost 23 years is not a small thing), or if you have used it but do not want to miss all the news that this beta version brings, because here you can download it for architectures of 32 and 64 bits.