In 1991 Linus Torvalds developed the Linux kernel, the core of a free, UNIX-like operating system. Development of Linux continues today with the help of thousands of worldwide volunteers.
From the beginning of the Linux movement, various people took the Linux kernel and its various utilities and packaged them into a more user friendly form, called a distribution. Distributions allow a Linux user of any experience level to easily install the Linux kernel and its components. One of the oldest distributions of Linux is called Slackware. Slackware is developed and maintained by Patrick Volkerding.
Patrick Volkerding’s goal to keep the Slackware distribution simple and easy to use has caused Slackware to generate a loyal following of users. As Linux has matured and more people use it, many other distributions have appeared. Many of these distributions have gained extreme levels of popularity by rushing products to market with the latest untested libraries and configuration GUIs. Despite the new fast-paced Linux market, Patrick has remained focused on keeping Slackware the strongest and most stable distribution available.
The Slackware Advocacy Campaign (SAC) was formed in early 1999 to foster the use of the Slackware Linux distribution. The founders of the SAC have appreciated the Slackware distribution and seek to be an