SARPi Project - Slacking on a Raspberry Pi

Getting it all together...

To install and run Slackware Linux on a Raspberry Pi you are going to need most (if not all) of the things listed below.

First and foremost, you should already have:
• a Raspberry Pi single board computer. The more recent the version it is, the better. [*1]
• a storage device such as a microSD card or SSD. A microSD card of 32Gb capacity or more is recommended for full install. Or at least a 16GB microSD card for a minimal installation. It's possible to use a 8GB microSD card for a minimal installation but only recommended for users who are familiar with what's required in such cases. [*2]
• or a SSD connected to the Raspberry Pi via a SATA-USB adapter or a dedicated add-on adapter board [*3].
• a USB memory stick (at least 8Gb capacity) - but not essential. You can use a FTP/HTTP server as source media. [*4]
• a USB keyboard (a PS/2 keyboard with USB adapter also works).
• a monitor/tv/screen to display output with the relevant cable(s), or install remotely via ssh.
• a 5v DC power supply [PSU] to suit your Raspberry Pi version.

Secondly, you're also going to need access to the following:
• a Linux or Windows computer with a SD/MMC/SDIO card reader to configure the microSD card. Not essential if you're using a SSD for storage. [*5]
• an Internet connection and a means of connecting via Ethernet (router, hub, switch) or wireless.
• access to your Raspberry Pi. Either locally, or remotely via SSH on the network.

Last, but not least, you're going to need a SARPi installer image for your Raspberry Pi version.
• see the Downloads page for available installer images.

[Optional]
• a USB mouse - if you're planning on using a desktop environment it is advisable to have one.
• a USB wireless adapter - if you're not planning on using an Ethernet connection or the onboard wireless on a RPi3/4.

Considerations...

NB: When using SARPi software, and/or following this guide, to install Slackware Linux ARM-based operating systems on Raspberry Pi single board computers you will be using SARPi installers. They are created by the SARPi Project, using various Slackware Linux sources, which have been modified and customised specifically for the purpose of installing Slackware Linux on Raspberry Pi single board computers. The Slackware Linux operating systems which can be installed with SARPi installers are created and maintained by Slackware Linux, Inc. SARPi installers may appear to be the offical Slackware installer, but they are not. It needs to be recognised and understood that SARPi installers are built and maintained by the SARPi Project.

[*1]. The more recent your Raspberry Pi model is, the faster and more capable it will be. Although it's possible to install Slackware 14.2 ARM Linux on a Raspberry Pi (1) it only has 512MB RAM and the operating system is no longer in development. The Raspberry Pi 2 features a quad-core CPU but is 32-bit architecture and not capable of 64-bit operations. The Raspberry Pi 3, 4 and 5 feature a quad-core CPU and are 64-bit capable. The Raspberry Pi 3 has 1GB RAM. the Raspberry Pi 4 has 2/4/8GB RAM. The Raspberry Pi 5 has 4/8GB RAM. Each successive Raspberry Pi computer features a more powerful and capable ARM CPU.

[*2]. It's worth noting that not all brands of microSD cards are designed and manufactured in exactly the same way and, under certain circumstances, you may experience problems/errors with some microSD cards that you won't face with others. At SARPi Project we have found that the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus microSD Memory Card range work flawlessly with Slackware Linux on Raspberry Pi computers and have been totally stable and 100% reliable throughout. That doesn't mean other microSD cards aren't as compatible. The best way to find out is to try different cards and see for yourself. Check out a list of known compatible microSD cards (and a lot more Raspberry Pi verified peripherals) on eLinux.org.

[*3]. It's possible to connect a SSD to the Raspberry Pi by various means and methods. Depending on your Raspberry Pi model, there are SATA-USB adapters which work on all models. There are also SSD enclosures which plug in to the Raspberry Pi the same way as a SATA-USB adapter. On more recent Raspberry Pi models there are dedicated add-on boards for connecting SSDs. Although it's possible to use a HDD in the same way as a SSD it is not recommended due to power requirements without the storage device being powered independently. It's prudent to investigate what's available and decide what best suits your requirements for whichever Raspberry Pi computer you are using.

[*4]. If you don't have a USB stick available you're still able to install Slackware Linux by configuring your network connection and specifying a FTP/HTTP server as the location of your source media. Instructions on how to do this are included later within this guide.

[*5]. You'll need to prepare either a micro SD card or SSD with the /boot partition for installing Slackware Linux on the Raspberry Pi. With a microSD card it's simply writing an image to it, and possibly editing a file to enable the network if your working headless on a network. It's basically the same for a SSD which still needs preparing with the /boot partition but a little different in how it can be achieved. Instructions on how to do this are included later within this guide.

If you have previous experience installing Slackware, and don't need any instruction(s), the necessary files are available on the Downloads page.

When you have all that's required above, continue to the next section of this guide... Configure a storage device

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