Slackel 8.0 Openbox has officially arrived, bringing a new round of updates from Slackware’s ‘Current’ tree and a clean, focused desktop powered by Linux kernel 6.12.39. This release stays true to Slackel’s roots: lightweight, fast, and refreshingly practical.
The system ships with up-to-date versions of popular software like Firefox 140.0.4, Thunderbird 140.0.1esr, LibreOffice 25.2.1, GIMP 3.0.4, MPV 0.40.0, and SMPlayer 25.6.0. There’s even Flatpak support built-in, giving users access to a wide library of modern apps.
Slackel continues to stand out by offering a full suite of custom GUI tools that simplify real-world tasks. The included Slackel Live Installer lets you install the OS directly to a USB stick or external SSD, giving you a true portable desktop system that feels fast and responsive even on older machines. Tools like instonusb, multibootusb, and GUI kernel upgrade utilities make setup and maintenance less of a hassle and more of a streamlined experience.
Both 64-bit and 32-bit ISOs are available. The 64-bit image includes UEFI support, and both versions are isohybrid, so you can flash them to USB using tools like Rufus on Windows. Once installed, the system doesn’t feel like a live OS at all. It’s fast, snappy, and lets you carry a full Linux environment in your pocket.
Slackel also works well for traditional installations to hard drives or SSDs. But its real strength is how well it runs from external storage. This is especially appealing to users who want privacy, mobility, or simply an easy way to take their desktop with them.
Minimum hardware requirements are modest. You’ll want at least a Core 2 Duo with 3GB of RAM, but 4GB and a Core i3 or better is ideal for heavier apps. A 20GB to 30GB drive is enough for installation, which puts Slackel within reach of even budget flash drives or portable SSDs.
While most distros are dropping 32-bit support, Slackel is keeping that door open, making it a great option for revitalizing aging computers without giving up modern software or security. This is more than just a live CD. It’s a portable, upgradeable Linux installation that runs like a local OS.
Slackel 8.0 Openbox is now available for download on Sourceforge. Whether you’re installing it on an old netbook or setting up a stealthy USB-powered workstation, this distro should deliver a practical, no-nonsense Linux experience.
