A Penguin in the Orchard

Slack Install 2:59

I’m working my way through the package selection. Assuming that many of the Penguin Shell readers visiting for the blogcast will be new to Slack, I chose the “newbie” install, a nice option that a) automatically installs all required packages and b) provides a verbose description of optional packages. Since this is a minimal machine, I’m installing only the most necessary packages. For instance, I don’t have speakers attached, so I’m dropping all the audio-related packages. Nor do I have a printer attached, though I will want to print via the network to the existing printer. So, I’ll install those programs.

Short of a flaky CD-ROM, the install is going pretty well. This is actually one of the easiest text-based installs I’ve seen. (If you’re new to Slack, there is no graphic installer option.) The menus are mapped out logically, with ample descriptions of each option. The newbie install provides enough detail for each optional package to make a sound decision as to whether or not to install the package.

This beta version of Slack also includes the 2.4.19 kernel. That’s the first time I’ve seen that in this round of distribution reviews.

I’ll keep working through the install, tapping on my CD-ROM drive occasionally to keep it alive, and be back in a bit.