download ISO image:
https://slackware.nl/slackware/slackware64-current-iso/
https://slackware.nl/slackware/slackware-live/slackware64-current-live/
https://slackware.nl/slackware/slackware-live/slackware64-15.0-live/
slackware64-live-current.iso
slackware64-live-15.0.iso
slackware64-current-install-dvd.iso
any difference among them?
Yes, there are major functional differences between these three ISO files, specifically regarding how they run and what software version they contain.
Here is the breakdown of exactly what each ISO is designed to do:
1. slackware64-current-install-dvd.iso (The Traditional Installer)
-
What it is: The standard, official installation media. It boots directly into a minimal text-based installer environment (
dialog). -
How it works: You cannot use this to try out a graphical desktop or preview the OS before installing. Its sole purpose is to partition your drive, copy the full package sets (A, AP, D, L, N, X, etc.) to your hard drive, configure LILO/ELILO, and exit.
-
Software Version: It contains the
-current(rolling release) package tree.
2. slackware64-live-current.iso (The Live OS + Installer)
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What it is: A fully functioning, modern Linux desktop environment that runs entirely out of your RAM from the USB/DVD. It is built using Eric Hameleers' (Alien Pastures) official live scripts.
-
How it works: It boots straight into a graphical interface (usually KDE Plasma or Xfce). You can browse the web, test your hardware compatibility (Wi-Fi, audio, graphics drivers), and use the system without touching your hard drive.
-
Bonus Feature: It includes a graphical installer script (
setup2hd). If you like how it runs, you can install the system to your hard drive directly from the live desktop. -
Software Version: It contains the
-current(rolling release) package tree.
3. slackware64-live-15.0.iso (The Stable Live OS)
-
What it is: Structurally, this is identical to the
live-currentISO above—it boots into a fully functional graphical desktop environment running from RAM and includes thesetup2hdinstaller. -
The Big Difference: It contains the Slackware 15.0 Stable package tree (released in 2022).
Which one should you choose?
| If your goal is to... | ...use this ISO |
| Test your hardware compatibility first, or install a highly up-to-date rolling system via a live GUI. | slackware64-live-current.iso |
| Do a traditional, distraction-free, text-based clean install of the up-to-date rolling branch. | slackware64-current-install-dvd.iso |
| Run a rock-solid production environment or a server where packages do not change for years. | slackware64-live-15.0.iso (or the standard 15.0 install DVD) |
Recommendation: For a personal machine, grab slackware64-live-current.iso. It gives you the safety net of a live desktop environment to verify everything works before you commit to the installation.