Qubes OS vs Slackware
Qubes OS: Security through isolation in separate virtual machines. Slackware: The oldest maintained distribution, simple by design. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- GamingTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Older hardwareSlackwareSlackware needs about 2 GB of RAM versus 16 GB.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilitySlackwareSlackware changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | Qubes OS | Slackware |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #31 | #24 |
| Latest version | — | 15.0 (Feb 3, 2022) |
| Based on | Xen with Fedora and Debian templates | Independent |
| Release model | Stable | Stable |
| Desktop | Xfce | KDE Plasma, Xfce |
| Package management | DNF · APT (per template) | pkgtool · slackpkg |
| Init system | systemd | BSD-style init |
| Experience level | Advanced | Advanced |
| Suggested RAM | 16 GB+ | 2 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64 | x86_64, i686 |
| First released | 2012 | 1993 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Privacy | Servers, Development |
Key differences
- Qubes OS is based on Xen with Fedora and Debian templates, while Slackware is based on Independent.
- Qubes OS ships Xfce; Slackware ships KDE Plasma, Xfce.
- Software comes from DNF · APT (per template) on Qubes OS and pkgtool · slackpkg on Slackware.
- Qubes OS uses systemd as its init system; Slackware uses BSD-style init.
- We suggest about 16 GB of RAM for Qubes OS and 2 GB for Slackware.
Choose Qubes OS if…
- strong compartmentalization between tasks
- disposable VMs for risky files and links
- whonix integration for Tor
Demanding hardware and memory requirements
Full Qubes OS profileChoose Slackware if…
- simple, transparent system design
- very long project history
- minimal distribution-specific tooling
No automatic dependency resolution
Full Slackware profileQubes OS vs Slackware: FAQ
Is Qubes OS better than Slackware?
Neither is better for everyone. Qubes OS is the stronger pick for a different set of needs; Slackware for older hardware, long-term stability.
Which uses less RAM, Qubes OS or Slackware?
Slackware is lighter: we suggest about 2 GB versus 16 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Qubes OS based on Slackware?
No. Qubes OS is based on Xen with Fedora and Debian templates; Slackware is based on Independent.
Can I switch from Qubes OS 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.