SlackEX is an open source distribution of Linux based on the well known Slackware Linux operating system and built around the KDE Plasma Workspace and Applications desktop environment. It uses the latest Linux kernel and supports only the 64-bit instruction set architecture.
Distributed as Live ISO image
It is distributed only as an ISO archive that contains all the necessary files to deploy it into a USB flash drive of at least 2GB. The entire Live USB installation will require users to access an existing Linux distribution or a computer powered by the Microsoft Windows operating system. Detailed installation instructions can be found at http://slackex.exton.net/slackex-14.1-usb.html.
Minimalist boot prompt
The boot prompt is very minimalistic, allowing users to only start the live environment with default settings or using a debug function that acts like a failsafe mode, allowing them to troubleshoot issues encountered when using the default option.
The live session is persistent, which means that users will be able to save settings and downloaded files directly on the USB thumb drive, so they can reuse the operating system whenever they want. Of course, this means that the bigger the USB stick is, the more files you will be able to save.
Built around KDE Plasma
As mentioned, the desktop environment is powered by the KDE Plasma Workspace and Applications project. It’s comprised of a single and transparent taskbar located at the bottom edge of the screen, from where users can launch applications, interact with running programs, or access the main menu and system tray area.
Default applications
Default applications include the AbiWord word processor, Mozilla Firefox web browser, GIMP image editor, Mozilla Thunderbird email client, GParted disk partitioning tool, GSlapt package manager, and VirtualBox virtualization software.
Bottom line
Summing up, SlackEX proves to be a user-friendly Slackware distribution that can be used directly from a USB stick or installed as your only operating system. It is suitable for mid-high end machines.
