Slackware Software Resource

The other day I went to install Evolution for email, only to find Novell doesn’t offer it as a download. Instead, you have to go through their Red Carpet installer. I didn’t have a problem with this, as I’ve used it before on my Fedora system. There’s just one problem: it wouldn’t work on Slackware.

Near as I can figure, you have to have an RPM-based distribution for Red Carpet to work. I’d rather not have to juggle package formats, so I hit good ol’ Google Linux in search of a solution. That’s when I found a message board in which someone recommended LinuxPackages for someone with the same problem.

I wish I had found the site sooner, as it’s loaded with Slackware packages for a surprising number of applications, Evolution included. Package dependencies are listed, and most software is available in package form for versions 9.0, 9.1, and 10.0 of Slackware. They’re also offering preorders for Slackware 10.1 on CD, which is expected to be available soon. The packages are provided by other Slackware users, and they’re a quick and easy way to find and install software for Slackware (and probably Slackware-based) distros.

Good stuff, Maynard!