Updating Slackware — 1
I really dislike updating operating systems. My dislike goes back to the 1980s with updating the then simpler MS-DOS. Along with backups, in those days I started using disk partitions with the goal of isolating the damage.
While a computer that is air gapped and not connected to other computers can go forever without updating, the otherwise proverbial handwriting is always on the wall. In the end computers must be updated.
Slackware is no different. The upcoming release of Slackware 15 is introducing many changes since 14.2 was released about five years ago. As always I am impressed how the BDFL is able to massage all the pieces with minimal disruption. Yet I am not naive. I have been around computers a long time. There will be paper cuts. Only methodical testing and research will find solutions.
I am somewhat my own enemy because I never liked operating system defaults, including Slackware defaults. I tweak and customize much. Starting in the 1980s I was already deep into customizing my computers to function the way I want. I admit my addiction. I seem incapable of using any default operating system as is. While all distros may be customized, Slackware gets in my way the least and allows me to customize my systems more easily because there are minimal presumptions about usage.
I have not had to update Slackware in several years, but I remember my previous effort. I updated from 14.1 to 14.2. I had to install from scratch because I moved from 32-bit to 64-bit. The experience was bumpy.
And so the journey begins.
Posted: Category: Usability Tagged: Slackware
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