Slax author's Blog (RSS)

Hello, Tomas.

I started using Slax from version 9.4 and I am confident that this distro will be my permanent one. I like the simplicity and speed at which Slax works and I'm very happy with the new release.

I have a little doubt and I believe you can help me. Are there any ways to leave Slax in read-only mode? Normally, when I download the ISO, I move it to the USB stick and then run 'bootinst.sh' inside the / boot / folder. This makes my notebook recognize Slax.

But, for security on my part, I wanted to leave the pendrive in read-only after installing Slax on it. Do you know if this is possible?

Regards,
Marcos Gabriel

maybe a simple "old school" solution.

install slax to sd card, then slide the sd card lock switch to locked position..

Paljo Sampor,

I also thought about doing this, but an SD card would not be so favorable to my side.

Slax 9.5.0 html5 video works only on YouTube :( #regress

You can use "Copy to RAM" boot option, to copy entire Slax data to RAM (Slax is only ~250 MB so it wont consume too much extra memory) and then you can unplug the USB drive entirely, or you can mount it later with readonly flag.

Hello Tomas,

thank you for this simple, beautiful system and the work you put into it. I would like to use it for online banking, but I am not sure if it can meet my requirements. My requirements for this are:
Step 1: Installation on USB stick with permanent data storage
Step 2: Setting up the browser (e.g. addons) and saving the settings in the permanent data storage.
Step 3: After that, using SLAX in readonly mode most of the time with the settings made, so that no malware can be set up.
Step 4: Occasionally boot from SLAX in r/w mode to make adjustments and install security updates.

My question now: Is it possible to mount and use the modified persistent storage in readonly mode?

Thanks!
Markus

@Markus: That's an interesting use case. I'd love to see that possible in the future.

Thanks for the new release, Tomas! :)

It is technically possible, but not with an easy switch.
You can boot as usual, make your changes and then use "savechanges" command to create a module which includes all your changes. Then you can put this module on your USB device, into /slax/modules folder.

Then, when you boot, you get a system with your changes. But after reboot, all newly made changes are lost. In the future, if you need to save more modifications, simply boot fresh (with your changes module), make your changes, use savechanges script again, this creates another module, again put it to modules directory and youre all set.

@Pavel: regression confirmed. Problems on vimeo and dailymotion. With podcast audio files too.

How to create a module for firefox (easy steps for beginners)? Thanks.

@Tomas M
how i can install this to usb in linux
and how to install modules?

looks great! I´ve been an old slax user. first time I used slax was like 13 years ago, and I still love the simplicity but yet very powerfull and smooth linux distro. thank u Tomas for your effort!

Hello! :)

First time Slax user and it seems really nice! Loved the fact that it uses Debian packages. Congrats!

I got a little issue: Whenever I plug a usb, it does appear anywhere and I can't mount it no matter what I try.

Tested several usb sticks, no luck.

Any help with that?

Thanks in advance for your time...

Small typo correction: it does NOT appear anywhere...

I found a problem of using gcin (chinese input module) with chromium. The gcin has no response within Chromium.
The gcin works well with firefox or opera browsers. (also works well with leafpad or xterm)
Afterwards, I tried to launch the Chromium manually by "chromium --no-sandbox", the gcin works.
I suspect it's the problem of the default way of launching chromium by fbliveapp. fbliveapp doesn't works good with the gcin module.

Hello,

I'm using Slax 9.4. Old kernel is used although new is available. Do I need Slax 9.5 to use latest kernel ?

Is it possible to upgrade Slax without reinstalling ?

@Tomas M
chromium of slax 9.4.0 html5 video - OK
chromium of slax 9.5.0 html5 video - FAIL!
Pls, fix it!!!

you will not wait for corrections :( 05-chromium.sb + html5 video OK
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oVZ2R_3CvJ_Iuk4yMSZitiRmquVfBAZ-

@Christos
you may need to mount the USB drive manually with the mount command.

@Danny Chow
It is possible that the main problem is the way how Slax runs chromium. It is started under 'guest' user. For some strange reason, chrome refuses to operate under root. I do not know gcin, I assume it runs in background and does not "see" the chrome running since it's running under a different user. Maybe try to start gcin under guest too?

Hello,

does anyone know please how to upgrade Slax 9.4 to 9.5 ?

Thank you in advance.

hello, after logging in the boot, it appears "root@slax:~#" I do not know what to do after this

anyone can help? I can't boot slax from usb, I had executed the "sh" file (I'm linux user btw)...

@jose jurado try to run "startx" command

@boycottsystemd
you can try to copy the changes folder from 9.4 to 9.5.
But I tried it, it works but bad, not useable.
It's always a good idea to have a log(file) - what did you install, where do you change something, where are your .sh files. Then you can copy e.g. the fluxbox menu file from 9.4 to 9.5 or what else. (I did that, but sometimes I was too lazy of course....)

TOMAS M
Como integrar Módulos a esta nueva versión de Slax?
Como pasar Slax al idioma Español?

Gracias

Marcos Gabriel -
Primer paso - Formatear la USB en NTFS - esto lo haces en Windows
Segundo paso - Copiar la carpeta Slax en la USB y dobe click en bootinst.bat
Tercer paso - Abres la Carpeta Equipo y das click derecho sobre la unidad USB luego en Propiedades - Pestaña Seguridad - Editar - desmarcas la casilla ESCRITURA - aplicar - aceptar y listo.

Si la USB esta en Formato Fat 32, no aparece la Pestaña -Seguridad-

Marcos Gabriel -
First step - Format the USB in NTFS - this you do in Windows
Second step - Copy the Slax folder to the USB and click on bootinst.bat
Third step - Open the Computer Folder and right click on the USB drive then in Properties - Security Tab - Edit - uncheck the box WRITING - apply - accept and go.

If the USB is in Format Fat 32, the Tab -Safety- does not appear

Unfortunately, I can not get it to establish an Internet connection with SLAX 9.5.0 (USB stick, Run Slax - Copy to RAM) - via LAN.

Router - DD-WRT with disabled DHCP.

That's why Static IP was awarded via the NetManger in SLAX.

No idea where it hooks?

hi
i am sorry but slax 9.4 and 9.5 is not working on my pc. its just hanging on the screen.

but 9.3 it works well. mouse-keyboard is not moving on main screen.

the interesting part is when i replace the file 01-core.sb in 9.3 to 9.5 folder, that time 9.4 and 9.5 works.

any idea?

@Phg Grue

Thank you. What about copy all files from slax-32bit-9.5.0.iso to usb flash disk with Slack 9.4 ?

hi
actually i just 32 bit of all slax versions.

technically slax-32bit-9.4.0 and slax-32bit-9.5.0 dont work in my pc. my pc hangs after the green screen. i can see green desktop and start button and but keyboard and mouse dont move. i considered it hangs.

but slax-32bit-9.3.0 works well without problem. so i tried and found out the problem is related 01-core.sb files in 9.4 and 9.5 version.

we use slax in our small call center, ( more or less 250pcs)

thanks and god bless

I tried to boot slax manually from grub, use this command:
linux /slax/vmlinuz
initrd /slax/initrfs.img
boot
.
..
it's work but after I give username & password, I still can't reach the GUI. Trying type startx and xinit but I still get error.
any advice?
thanks in advance.

Hi Tomas. First of all many thanks for the new release. Can you please give us some feedback on the reported video and audio issues with chromium? I'd like to create a module just for firefox but I don't know exactly how to accomplish that. Cheers.

@boycottsystemd
As I understand it then you will have a (fresh) 9.5!
If you leave out the Changes Folder should be the same as if you copy the changes folder from 9.4 to a fresh 9.5.
You can try it, but I think there are only some rare cases where it will work acceptable.
And make a Backup.iso or .img of your 9.4 so you can go back to 9.4.
It's fun to learn!

finally, slax can boot, (boot manually by load kernel and initrfs image manually), thanks sir.

Hei! Where can I download SLAX 9.4? I have some trouble with 9.5. When SLAX is finnested booting it ask me for username (root) and passport (toot). After I have type username, passport wont work and then nothing heppens. Is there solution for it? It is 32-bit version. Cant remember to have this problem on version 9.4. Thanks

@ Boris
http://osarchive.sda1.eu/slax

@ nubee
Thanks!

Is there any way to fix GUI problem in 9.5? I see that ahmad raniri have same problem, and he have sold it.

Hello. I'm having the 9.5.0 "login" problem on my Asus EEE. It gets to the slax login, then root@slax. Here is where I'm lost. I can't get to the slax desktop.

However, I tested the same usb on a Toshiba laptop and it goes right to the slax desktop! Also tested on a couple of desktop computers and it works just fine.

So, for some reason, Slax 9.5.0 32bit doesn't like my Asus. :(

Any thoughts about how I can get 9.5.0 to work on my Asus?

Thanks for any help.

Millie

Hello all,
I used slax several years ago, and it was very useful for me, I remember that I have converted some modules to lzm, and that I could to explore and install modules from my running slax.

Now I have downloaded the last version and I can find anything, obviously, I have a very bad memory, but I did not find documentation or information about installing modules that are not in the modules page. For instance, I require to install gcc, which is not in the downloaded version.

Any help is welcome about documents or any information about adding packages.

Thank you in advance, best regards.
Ivvan

Hi , @Boris Delic I can reach the GUI by install xserver-xorg-video-intel package, thanks...
Don't forget to do "apt update" first and make sure you have an internet connection...

@Millie Chillum try to go another tty

1. Read only mode can be achieved via pendrives with write protect switcher - some older PQI sticks and some current Netac sticks from AliExpress (I am not sure if reformat from FAT32 to EXT2,3,4 is secure therefore I left default partition table, if I good remember FAT32 on 64 GB sticks requires some twicks).
2. Another way to read only mode is freeze your partition at boot stage or later manually via xfs_freeze (-f for lock, -u for unlock) - works for EXT filesystems and "many others".

Slax can be stored (found at boot) on sd card (lock switcher) but kernel must be recompiled with:
CONFIG_MEMSTICK_REALTEK_PCI=y
CONFIG_MEMSTICK_REALTEK_USB=y

Thanks for this beautiful os. I am loving it and using it as my daily driver.

@Phg Grue
Yes I've left out the Changes Folder and everything is running fine. Maybe with one exception:

$ uname -a
Linux slax 4.9.0-6-686 #1 SMP Debian 4.9.82-1+deb9u3 (2018-03-02) i686 GNU/Linux

...@slax:~$ ls -lt /boot/
total 24212
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 18551557 Aug 8 06:58 initrd.img-4.9.0-7-686
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 2454550 Aug 3 20:30 System.map-4.9.0-7-686
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 191607 Aug 3 20:30 config-4.9.0-7-686
-rw-r--r-- 1 root root 3585392 Aug 3 20:30 vmlinuz-4.9.0-7-686
...@slax:~$

I enjoy using Slax.

Now (1) the 95 version seems only have English version. Where can I find other languages support?
(2) I would like to try SLAX USB version. It is for my idle EEC mini notebook running window xp, CPU Intel Atom. It has no CD -ROM. You mentioned 64bit in Using Slax. Am I reading right?

I am trying to make some changes to SLAX and then re-package it as a bootable ISO. Small changes like changing the default homepage and desktop background. Unfortunately I have almost zero linux experience. Can someone advise me as to how I could do this?

I see the "savechanges" command was mentioned above, can someone explain how I can use this and then burn new ISO's?

Thanks!

Hello

I am unable to start the GUI. I think some drivers for my computer are missing.

xinit returns 'Server terminated with error (1). Closing log file.'

The log file tells me:
'glamor requires at least 128 instructions (64 reported)
modeset(0): Failed to initialize glamor at ScreenInit() time.
Fatal server error:
AddScreen/ScreenInit failed for driver 0'

What can I do?

Thank you
Peter

hey peter try to install xserver-xorg-video-intel, it's work, then startx

finally I find a way to install slax into hdd, I mean a partition on my notebook, but a problem appear, slax's bootloader overwrite my recent os ( I use debian before),

@ahmad raniri

slax's bootloader has overwritten whole debian partition, or it's loader only ?

@ahmad raniri

Hey,

how can I install xserver-xorg-video-intel?
Please provide step by step instructions.

Thank you

@peter
use LAN connections and run this command
"apt install xserver-xorg-video-intel"
hope it will help.

@boycottsystemd
I think slax just overwrite the bootloader only, but when I check into slax's root directory, it's use debian's partition haha
really wonder because I give slax a partition to install (about 20 gb)

There is unofficial slax discord server:https://discord.gg/zEFgYwz

Suggest this blog be cleaned (delete slax insults and unrelated comments) because negativity never beneficial. Suggest a separate How to thread in addition to this comments thread/blog as surely many users would submit their expertise. Example:

I am using Slax as the basis for setting up a multi booting USB stick. First partition has slax boot folder, slax32 folder, slax64 folder, lxpup (LXDE puppy) extracted folder and debian dog extracted folder with all booted from slax boot folder's edited syslinux file and then having a second data partition shared by all above OS's. I can simply extract an iso into a first partition folder then edit its isolinux file, then edit syslinux in slax boot folder to configure isolinux in this new extracted iso. I also have a hard drive having a boot manager partition, windows partitions, and a partition with this same slax multi boot setup as described above. My hard drive boot manager gives me a choice to boot windows or my multi boot partition or another OS partition with all sharing a fat32 data partition, booted under BIOS. Love it. Easy to make backup copies too. Knowing how to edit what is the key.

really curious how to convert a syslinux.cfg into grub entry (grub.cfg).

Who sucks?

The Slax 9 Series ... can not support the sound. Please ask for update orders or reference to other tips.

@ahmad raniri

I tried to install grub but it is not working. I want use latest kernel because of security, so I've replaced slax with Devuan. It's debian based too and it's without systemd so it's fast and reliable.

Hey nice work!
One question: Slax only uses 3.8GB of my 32GB Stick..how can i change this?

Next one: Can't find the link to the documentation (want to build own Modules)

Kind regards

First congratulations, another wonderful distro! Now for my troubles...

When i boot on my HD screen the resolution in on 4k, way too high, selecting a different one in the resolution menu does not change anything. How can i change this?

Hello, Slax is wonderfull distro!
Is there any way to boot Slax to command line interface, and then to use midnight commander, without starting the gui?

Slax is nice to use in Virtualbox, but not very easy to install.
Use Debian 64bit.
Put the Slax.iso to the IDE Controller as Primary Master and make two HDs to the SATA Controller. (Maybe 1 is enough)
Start the engine.
mkdir in /media/ for sda1 and sdb1.
Partitoning /dev/sda and sdb with fdisk (Use the defaults and type w at the end)
Format sda1 and sdb1 (don't forget the 1) with mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda1 and sdb1
Mount them to /media/sda1 and sdb1
Now you need an USB stick with the Slax.iso and(!) the Slacks Folder.
Unmount the USB Stick on the Host and attach it to the VM.
Mount it with mount /dev/sdc1 /mnt/
Now copy the slax folder from /mnt to /media/sda1, rename it to slaxhd
(apt) Install isomaster. Run isomaster, go to options type at the editor setting leafpad. Load the iso and edit /boot/syslinux.cfg. Look at the last lines of the entries and type " from=slaxhd" (without the "). Save it. Then you can remove all
other folders than the boot folder and save the iso as SlaxwhateverV2.iso
Shut down and replace the iso on the Controller IDE with the new one (It's only 10,5 MB). If you want to install the VBoxGuestAddions.iso put it to the Contoller IDE as secundary master. Start the VM and open the Guest iso. Run the autorun.sh. You will get some error messages that you should install something....
install them and run the autorun.sh again.

FTP server down ?
I have tried downloading 9.5.0 for couple of days but no response from ftp server at address : http://ftp.sh.cvut.cz/slax/Slax-9.x/slax-32bit-9.5.0.iso

@ Tomas
I'd like to try to use Slax as my primary OS but I am held back by the lack of clear documentation (creating modules for example) and support. On this forum I see many open topics not being replied to. This is quite self-defeating unfortunately, which is a pity because the concept behind Slax is very interesting. Cheers.

@ nubee,

Maybe you'd have more chance here:
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/slax-users

There could be a little problem when using SLAX in Virtualbox. (see above)
Sometimes I had to start the VM twice because the desktop menu opens but do not
react on clicking. (Only the Volumen bar works(?))
So I put an extra sleep in the Fluxbox startup file.
sleep 1 &
(before the line # Debian-local change)
Until now no more problems. (Maybe it's too fast running on a SSD?)

how to create Bootable usb for Slax on MacOS.
Etcher and UNetBootIn on MacOS don't work.

please tell me an app to create bootable slax, not command based operations on MacOS to solve this issue.
thank you
awaiting your response

@ Ryan Butt: Many options and do not need Etcher, UNetBootin or other app. Simply copy and paste the slax folder to USB stick and then run the bootinstall.bat file in the boot folder to setup syslinux loader. If you desire multibooting, then edit syslinux.cfg with adding append from=/path/to/folder/ and I explained more above in this thread. Know not if Mac has issues doing above. I succeeded using a puppy linux on CD to 1. copy slax folder from burned slax CD iso or Uxtract slax iso without burning CD then 2. copy onto USB then click bootinstall.bat file. The nice thing about puppy linux is that it runs in Ram and allows everything which other distros may have issues with. You may need to configure your computer BIOS to first boot from CD, then USB, and then harddrive. Done same steps for installing slax based multiboot on harddrive and USB sticks with all booting from slax boot folder in BIOS mode.

@ Tomas, again repeated, desirable to have separate Know How thread that is kept clean of junk garbage comments such as slax insults as seen in this thread, and such that Tomas (or another) can paste related excerpts and users can enter know-how explanations. Excerpts could be gathered from other past threads and then centralized in this separate Know How thread, such as in the making of modules.

Hey thomas,

I am a slax user since very old versions based on slackware. I was wondering how your new slax works. once I downloaded any of 64 or 32 bit versions and installed them on my flash memory on start up I received an error saying: "no operating system was found" can you please help me with this?!?

Hi. Tomas.

I remove Chrome (spyware-by-google) and install Opera browser with VPN and ad-blocker. Consider being a safety choice for your distribution.

Thanks!

Tomas, I don't know if you're interested in making a version of Slax that is capable of booting using UEFI. If you want to make a system that can boot from i386 (bios) and x86_64 (both BIOS and EFI) use this guide:

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Multiboot_USB_drive#Simple_installation

I still don't know how to help you making an ISO. I have to study the Debian installation Image

Booting Slax using UEFI will be great for me :) and as I suppose for plenty of other people :) Would you be so kind and switch to UEFI? Thanks :)

Hi all,
I would like to use this Distro to monitor the Network Performance..

But i'm not shure where to put my Shell-Script to be executed at Startup without X

any hints ?

rc.local as usual does not exist .. probably in one of the rc.dx Folders ?
which one ?

thanks you für suggestions

How to delete those shortcuts ( VLC , Votecoin , Chromium etc. ) Is there any file to edit ?

can't access drive just standard stuff that comes with the program can't even find text files in other directorys

Hi, good evening, I'd like to know how I can install slax on HD! Please, you could add an installer on it! it would be easier for ordinary users, I love slax, you do a good job, I'm Brazilian, and here slax is well talked about in some blogs about Linux!

Hi all,
i downloaded SLAX few days ago and it's a truly wonderful, extremly fast beautiful distro. However, it only runs on my original home computer that i used in order to install Slax on USB stick ...
I mean, it will not start if i use the USB stick in question on a different computer .... Because all i see is the green logo of Slax and then it stops booting, as it gives me an error code stating that some [Slax] files are missing, or not found ...

I would appreciate if you can help me to solve this issue, so i can carry my Slax USB stick with me outside home and successfully boot into any other computers, besides my home computer.

@Erdel Eflek BoÄŸdan
Make sure you copied entire /slax/ directory to your USB drive, and then make sure you executed bootinst.bat script actually from the USB drive as well.

it's working !!
Thank you so much Tomas, the king of the kings :)
--Now,regarding switchingback to Slackware ...
I think it's much better to stay with Debian-
the mother of majority of most distros in existence, as such Debian has a lot more advantages in terms of updating and continuously improving Slax ...
As we may recall, Tomas (prior to getting on Debian) had this truly noble idea to base Slax on Papyros (now called Liri OS) which follows Google Material Design rules...
And right now there are actually few more distros which follows Material Design...
Accordingly, if Tomas should really decide to switch Slax once again, then i think it's definitely worth to wait a few more years for one of those Material Design-inspired distros to mature and then base Slax onto one of them...
And here are (as far as i'm aware of) distros which currently follows Material Design rules:
https://itsfoss.com/veltos-linux/
https://iwf1.com/quantum-os-aims-bring-googles-material-design-desktop
https://liri.io/

First of all ! Thank Thomas a BUNCH to revive slax ! It is my first option for a live distro! The selections of default applications and the Persistent boot are amazing indeed ! Thank you so much !
The only issue I am finding is the system no audio. In VLC I can select the audio device and it works. but in Chromium and system sounds are mute...

I also would appreciate any tip for research. !

Best regards,

Hi,
i need for use SLAX for few application like rdesktop, but i need to link it on the desktop so my users can click it and enter into my terminal server.
How i can custom slax desktop with my programs icons?

Thank you !

Hi,
I tried boot Slax ISO from Gurb2 and I get feedback as below
Fatal error occured - Could no locate slax data
Something went wrong and we can't continue. This should never happen.
My grub.cfg as below, do you have any advise ?
thanks

menuentry 'Slax ISO' {
search --label StarFly --set=root
set isofile="/ISO/slax-64bit-9.8.0.iso"
search --no-floppy --file --set=root $isofile
loopback loop $isofile
linux (loop)/slax/boot/vmlinuz from=$isofile/slax vga=normal load_ramdisk=1 prompt_ramdisk=0 rw printk.time=0 slax.flags=toram
initrd (loop)/slax/boot/initrfs.img
}

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoVH65hEHDw


solution temporary > audio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2asPoW2gJ-c

good time of day, please tell me the visual components of the distribution