After announcing the availability of a custom Linux 4.4.1 kernel for Slackware 14.2 and derivative distributions, Linux developer Arne Exton informs Softpedia today about the release of a new build of his SlackEX GNU/Linux operating system.
As expected, SlackEX Build 160203 is now powered by Mr. Exton's kernel 4.4.1-exton-huge package, which also works flawlessly on any other Slackware derivative, including Slax, Zenwalk, and Slackware itself.
The custom kernel packages are based, of course, on the upstream Linux kernel 4.4.1 long-term support release. The distribution's software repositories have been synchronized with the upstream Slackware Current 14.2 operating system.
On the desktop side of things, SlackEX Build 160203 comes with the latest KDE Software Compilation desktop environments, a.k.a. KDE SC 4.14.3, and updates most of the preinstalled applications to their latest versions at the moment of the announcement.
"I have replaced kernel 4.3.1-x86_64-exton with kernel 4.4.1-exton-huge with support for “everything”. Most important is that I have changed repositories from Slackware 14.1 to Current. (i.e. upcoming Slackware 14.2)," Arne Exton reveals for Softpedia.
SlackEX's core components are in sync with Slackware Current
Being synchronized with the upstream Slackware Current repos, the new SlackEX build boasts only up-to-date core components. However, it also includes software not present in Slackware's default software repositories.
Among these, we can mention GParte 0.24.0, Oracle VirtualBox 5.0.14, Google Chrome 46.0.2490.86, and GIMP 2.8.10. Software like Mozilla Firefox 43.0.4, GCC 5.3.0, Samba 4.3.2, Mozilla Thunderbird 38.5.0, and GSlapt 0.5.3h is also present.
The Wicd network connection manager has been replaced with NetworkManager. Last but not least, Arne Exton brags with the fact that he managed to install the GRUB2 bootloader, which is now used by default after the disk installation.
Download SlackEX 14.2 Build 160203 right now from Softpedia.
