Announcing Slackware Linux 8.0!

The first major release for 2001, Slackware Linux 8.0 continues the
Slackware tradition of simplicity, stability, and security.  It is the
essential Linux distribution from the team that knows Linux inside and
out.  Among the many program updates and distribution enhancements,
you'll find the two most advanced desktop environments available today:
KDE 2.1.1 (with Qt 2.3.1 providing support for anti-aliased fonts) and
GNOME 1.4 (with one of the largest collections of pre-compiled GNOME
applications available).  We include the stable Linux 2.2.19 kernel as
well as the latest 2.4.5 Linux kernel, bringing you advanced
performance features such as the ReiserFS journaling filesystem and
kernel support for XFree86's DRI (the Direct Rendering Interface) that
brings high-speed hardware accelerated 3D graphics to Linux.  

From the beginning, Slackware has offered a stable and secure Linux 
distribution for UNIX veterans as well as an easy-to-use system for
beginners.  Slackware includes everything you'll need to run a powerful
server or workstation.  Each Slackware package follows the setup and
installation instructions from its author(s), offering you the most stable
and easily expandable setup.

Here are some of the advanced features of Slackware 8.0:

- Runs the 2.2.19 version of the Linux kernel from ftp.kernel.org
   - Special kernels were prepared to support hardware such as
     ATA/66 and ATA/100 IDE controllers, SCSI cards, and even speech
     synthesizers providing access to Linux for the visually impaired
     community.  The proven stability of the 2.2.x kernel series along
     with Slackware's track record of careful attention to system
     security make it the perfect choice for running your production
     servers.

- Also included is the 2.4.5 Linux kernel.  The latest in the modern
     kernel branch, the 2.4.5 provides advanced features and hardware
     support not available in 2.2.19 such as hardware accelerated 3D
     graphics under XFree86 4.1.0, journaling filesystem support
     (providing fast and reliable recovery in the event of a power
     failure), and iptables packet filtering support.

- Generic IDE (bare.i) and SCSI (scsi.s) boot images work with nearly
     all Intel-based (and compatible) computer systems.  Additional
     precompiled kernels (69 varieties in all) and boot images provide
     specialized support for hardware such as Adaptec SCSI controllers, 
     parallel-port IDE devices, IBM PS/2 machines with the Microchannel bus, 
     Symmetrical Multiprocessing machines, ATA/100 controllers and disk
     support, and much much more.

- System binaries linked with the GNU C Library, version 2.2.3 (glibc-2.2.3)

- XFree86 4.1.0
     This version of XFree86 represents a major re-design, and brings with it
     many greatly anticipated new features, most notably support for hardware
     accelerated graphics using the Direct Rendering Interface supported by
     the 2.4.5 Linux kernel.  The 3D performance rockets past anything you've
     ever seen before.  Gamers, get ready. :)
     
- GhostScript and APS-filter are included to support many common PC printers.
     Among these are:
     HP670, HP690, HP850, HP855, HP870, HP890, HP1100 and HP1600

- Installs gcc-2.95.3 as the default C, C++, Objective-C and Fortran-77
     compiler.  egcs-1.1.2 is also included (this can be useful for compiling 
     older kernels).  Also included is the recently released gcc-3.0.

- Support for fully encrypted network connections with OpenSSL and OpenSSH.

- Apache 1.3.20 web server with Dynamic Shared Object (DSO) support, SSL,
     and PHP  (pre-configured to run right out of the box)

- PCMCIA, CardBus, and APM support for laptops. (pcmcia-cs-3.1.26)

- New development tools, including Perl 5.6.1, Python 2.0.1, and graphical
     tools like Qt designer, KDevelop, and Glade.

- Updated versions of the Slackware package management tools make it easy
     to add, remove, upgrade, and make your own Slackware packages.

- Web browsers galore!  Includes Netscape Communicator version 4.77,
     Konqueror 2.1.1, Mozilla 0.9.1, and galeon 0.11.0.

- The complete K Desktop Environment (KDE) version 2.1.1, including the
     KOffice productivity suite, networking tools, GUI development with
     KDevelop, multimedia tools, the Konqueror web browser and file manager,
     dozens of games and utilities, international language support, and more.

- The GNU Network Object Model Environment (GNOME) 1.4.  Includes a full range
     of GNOME packages such as:  abi-0.7.14-2, control-center-1.4.0.1, 
     gdm-2.2.2.1, glade-0.6.2, glib-1.2.10, gnome-audio-1.4.0, 
     gnome-games-1.4.0.1, gnome-applets-1.4.0.1, gnome-core-1.4.0.4, 
     gnome-media-1.2.3, gnome-pim-1.4.0, gnome-libs-1.2.13, gnome-print-0.29,
     gnome-utils-1.4.0.1, gnome-python-1.4.1, gtk+-1.2.10, sawfish-0.38,
     gnome-user-docs-1.4.1, gimp-1.2.1, gnumeric-0.65, gedit-0.9.6, gftp-2.0.8,
     pan-0.9.7, xchat-1.6.4, xmms-1.2.5, xscreensaver-3.32, galeon-0.11.0, 
     gtm-0.4.9, mozilla-0.9.1, nautilus-1.0.3, gnomeicu-0.96.1, and many more.
     This is the most up-to-date GNOME collection available from any source.

- Large repository of contributed software compiled and ready to run. This
     includes various window managers, support for 3Dfx gaming cards, XFree86
     3.3.6 servers to support older hardware, OpenMotif-2.1.30, XEmacs,
     gcc-3.0, ISDN support, and much more (see the /contrib directory).
  
- Many more improved and upgraded packages, including:
     devfsd-v1.3.11, e2fsprogs-1.22, kbd-1.06, lilo-21.7.5, modutils-2.4.6,
     reiserfsprogs-3.x.0j, tcsh-6.10, util-linux-2.11f, apsfilter-6.1.1,
     cdparanoia-III-alpha9.8, cdrdao-1.1.5, cdrtools-1.10, ispell-3.2.03,
     joe-2.9.5, the K shell (ksh), mysql-3.23.39, Ogg Vorbis utilities,
     raidtools-19990824-0.90, rpm-4.0.2, screen-3.9.9, sudo-1.6.3p7,
     vim-5.8, zsh-4.0.1, autoconf-2.50, automake-1.4-p4, bin86-0.15.5,
     binutils-2.11.90.0.19, cvs-1.11.1p1, gcc-2.95.3, gcl-2.4.0, 
     gettext-0.10.38, glibc-2.2.3, libpng-1.0.11, libtool-1.4, perl-5.6.1,
     Python-2.0.1, slang-1.4.3, svgalib-1.4.3, autofs-3.1.7, bind-9.1.2,
     epic4-1.0.1, fetchmail-5.8.6, inn-2.3.2, iptables-1.2.2, php-4.0.5,
     mod_ssl-2.8.4-1.3.20, mutt-1.2.5i, ntp-4.0.99k23, openssl-0.9.6a,
     openssh-2.9p1, pine4.33, ppp-2.4.1, proftpd-1.2.2rc3, rsync-2.4.6,
     samba-2.2.0a, sendmail.8.11.4, procmail-3.15.1, tcpdump-3.6.1,
     pidentd-3.0.12, tin-1.5.8, wget-1.7, yp-tools-2.5, ypserv-1.3.12,
     expect-5.32.1, tcl8.3.3, tclx8.3, tk8.3.3, lesstif-0.92.32,
     fvwm-2.2.5, xlockmore-5.00, and many more.

- Installs to a native Linux partition for maximum performance, or into a
     \LINUX directory on an existing Windows FAT/FAT32 partition using
     the Linux UMSDOS filesystem.  With UMSDOS, you can install a complete 
     Linux system without repartitioning your hard drive!

- Another Slackware exclusive:  Slackware's ZipSlack installation option is
     the fastest, _easiest_ Linux installation ever.  ZipSlack provides a 
     basic text-based Linux system as a 36 megabyte ZIP archive.  Simply
     unzip on any FAT or FAT32 partition, edit your boot partition in the
     LINUX.BAT batch file, and you can be running Linux in less than five
     minutes.  The ZipSlack installation includes everything you need to
     network with Linux (including Ethernet, token ring, SLIP and PPP), 
     develop Linux applications with C and C++, and extend the system
     with additional software packages such as X.  A ZipSlack system will 
     even fit on a Zip(TM) disk, so you can carry a personal Linux system
     with you to run on any PC with a Zip(TM) drive.

     
HOW TO DOWNLOAD SLACKWARE:

The full version of Slackware Linux 8.0 is available for free download from
the central Slackware site hosted by SourceForge:

   ftp://ftp.slackware.com/pub/slackware/slackware-8.0/

The ZipSlack version of Slackware can be downloaded from:

   ftp://ftp.slackware.com/pub/slackware/slackware-8.0/zipslack/


OFFICIAL SLACKWARE CDROM SET:

Or, purchase the Slackware Linux 8.0 four CDROM set from Slackware Linux,
and help support the Slackware project!

This is the official release of Slackware on CDROM, and has many enhanced
features, including:

 -  Easy bootable CDROM installation.  If your machine can boot a CDROM,
       just boot the first disc to begin the installation process.
 -  Fully installed bootable live CDROM -- just boot the second disc and
       run a full Linux system right off the disc, including networking, 
       development, and X with no installation necessary.  Makes the
       ultimate Linux rescue disc!
 -  The ZipSlack edition of Slackware Linux 8.0.
 -  The entire source code used to build Slackware Linux 8.0.
 -  Technical support via our online web discussion forum.

The price for the Slackware Linux CDROM set is $39.95 plus shipping.

Slackware Linux is also available by subscription.  When we release a new
version of Slackware (which is typically once or twice a year) we ship it to
you and bill your credit card $24.95 plus shipping.  Shipping is $5 in the USA,
Canada, and Mexico for First Class.  Overseas is $9 PER ORDER.  There is an
additional $3 COD charge (USA Only).  UPS Blue Label (2nd day) [USA Only] is
$10 PER ORDER, UPS Red Label (next day) [USA Only] is $15 PER ORDER.  Federal
Express (next day) [USA Only] is $20 PER ORDER.

Ordering Information:

   You can order online at the new Slackware Linux store:
     http://store.slackware.com

   Email orders and reseller information:
     info@slackware.com
   
   Or, send a check or money order to:

     Slackware Linux, Inc.
     1647 Willow Pass Road, Box 402
     Concord, CA 94520
     USA


Have fun! :^)

---
Patrick J. Volkerding    <volkerdi@slackware.com>
Logan Johnson            <logan@slackware.com>
Chris Lumens             <chris@slackware.com>
David Cantrell           <david@slackware.com>

Visit Slackware on the web at http://www.slackware.com !