Slackware 13.1 Is Ready for Download

After several test releases, Slackware 13.1 is finally here. The latest update to the long-running Linux distribution comes with some of the newest packages in the Linux world, while still keeping a clear focus on stability and simplicity. Slackware 13.1 comes with the modern Linux kernel 2.6.33.4 and the latest stable build of the KDE SC, 4.4.3.

“After many months of development and careful testing, we are proud to announce the release of Slackware version 13.1!,” the official announcement read. “We've done our best to bring the latest technology to Slackware while still maintaining the stability and security that you have come to expect. Slackware is well known for its simplicity and the fact that we try to bring software to you in the condition that the authors intended,” Patrick Volkerding, Slackware’s founder and maintainer, added.

Highlights of Slackware 13.1:

· Linux kernel 2.6.33.4;
· KDE SC 4.4.3;
· Xfce 4.6.1;
· GNU C Library (GLIBC) 2.11.1;
· GCC 4.4.4;
· Konqueror 4.4.3,
· SeaMonkey 2.0.4;
· Firefox 3.6.3;
· Thunderbird 3.0.4;
· Apache web server 2.2.15;
· Pidgin 2.7.0;
· Gimp 2.6.8;
· GKrelIm 2.3.4;
· gXine 0.5.903.

Slackware 13.1 brings several choices in Linux kernels. The default kernel includes support for the vast majority of hardware out there, but this wide support isn’t needed normally after installing. As such, users could go with the generic Linux kernel also provided. Slackware recommends SMP kernel versions even for single-processor machines.

The default desktop environment is KDE, but Slackware 13.1 also offers a lighter option with Xfce. There are projects bringing GNOME to Slackware, but they’re not official. Slackware 13.1 also introduces ConsoleKit and PolicyKit for an improved security model enabling non-root users to run applications with elevated privileges.

Slackware 13.1 is available for download here on Softpedia.