Devuan vs Slackware
Devuan: Debian without systemd, with a choice of init. Slackware: The oldest maintained distribution, simple by design. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersDevuanDevuan is rated intermediate; Slackware is advanced.
- GamingTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Older hardwareDevuanSimilar memory needs, but Devuan offers a lighter desktop option.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | Devuan | Slackware |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #37 | #24 |
| Latest version | — | 15.0 (Feb 3, 2022) |
| Based on | Debian | Independent |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | Xfce, KDE Plasma, more | KDE Plasma, Xfce |
| Package management | APT | pkgtool · slackpkg |
| Init system | sysVinit, OpenRC or runit | BSD-style init |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Suggested RAM | 2 GB+ | 2 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64, i686 |
| First released | 2014 | 1993 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Servers, Everyday use, Older hardware | Servers, Development |
Key differences
- Devuan is based on Debian, while Slackware is based on Independent.
- Devuan ships Xfce, KDE Plasma, more; Slackware ships KDE Plasma, Xfce.
- Software comes from APT on Devuan and pkgtool · slackpkg on Slackware.
- Devuan uses sysVinit, OpenRC or runit as its init system; Slackware uses BSD-style init.
- Devuan is best for intermediate users; Slackware for advanced users.
Choose Devuan if…
- choice of init system
- debian-compatible packages
- suitable for servers and desktops
Some software expects systemd
Full Devuan profileChoose Slackware if…
- simple, transparent system design
- very long project history
- minimal distribution-specific tooling
No automatic dependency resolution
Full Slackware profileDevuan vs Slackware: FAQ
Is Devuan better than Slackware?
Neither is better for everyone. Devuan is the stronger pick for beginners, older hardware; Slackware for a different set of needs.
Which uses less RAM, Devuan or Slackware?
Both need about 2 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop. The desktop environment affects memory use more than the distribution.
Is Devuan based on Slackware?
No. Devuan is based on Debian; Slackware is based on Independent.
Can I switch from Devuan to Slackware without losing files?
Back up your home folder first. If /home is on a separate partition you can reinstall without formatting it, but a clean install with restored backups is safest.