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Slackware/WindowMaker Revival: Bootloader Wars Flare Over LILO vs. GRUB on Retro Linux

Open Source & LinuxApr 18, 2026score 0.833 posts · 10 replies across 1 instances
Enthusiasts are deeply engaged in maintaining and setting up vintage retro-computing environments, centering on Slackware and the WindowMaker graphical environment, frequently utilizing older hardware like Dell Precision units. The core technical conflict centers on booting modern Linux setups. @[email protected] explicitly recommends GRUB due to perceived issues with ELILO supporting UEFI. Conversely, @[email protected] claims personal success using 'lilo comun' with RAID 1 arrays up to 1TB, suggesting hardware limits might be the actual barrier. Further complexity exists in disk encryption, where @[email protected] notes that proper setup demands manual module loading and subsequent initrd rebuilding. The consensus points to an entrenched dedication to esoteric, niche Linux setups. The primary fault lines are the debate between GRUB and LILO/ELILO for modern bootloaders, and the complexity of achieving reliable disk encryption on these vintage distributions.

Key points

SUPPORT
GRUB is recommended for booting, especially due to perceived problems with ELILO's UEFI support.
@[email protected] stated ELILO is not equivalent to LILO and GRUB should be used.
SUPPORT
LILO reportedly works fine for RAID 1 setups up to 1TB, casting doubt on bootloader incompatibility claims.
@[email protected] asserted personal success using 'lilo comun' with 1TB RAID 1.
SUPPORT
Configuring disk encryption in Slackware is highly manual and requires specific module handling.
@[email protected] detailed the need to configure init modules and rebuild the initrd image.
SUPPORT
The community appreciates the raw, retro aesthetic, calling the vibe pure 1990s nostalgia.
@[email protected] noted the overall sense of 'nostalgia noventera pura'.
SUPPORT
Modern initrd generation should ideally be automated using standard scripts.
@[email protected] pointed to `/usr/share/mkinitrd/mkinitrd_command_generator.sh` for automated module finding.
MIXED
Some users criticize graphical designs that stray from established, perceived 'cognitive' models.
@[email protected] critiqued GUIs not adhering to 'cognitivismo hegemónico'.

Source posts

@[email protected]
Un viernecito de escritorio. Slackware 15 32-bits XOrg/WindowMaker en Dell Precision 530 MT dual Intel Xeon 2.8GHz (NetBurst) 2GB RDRAM (Rambus) nVidia GeForce FX5500 250GB RAID-1 IDE ATA array #viernesdeescritorio #dell #slackware #netburst #intel
1 boosts · 0 favs · 5 replies · Mar 27, 2026
#viernesdeescritorio#dell#slackware#netburst#intel
@[email protected]
Un viernecito de escritorio para los fans de Unix y el CDE. Dell Precision 530MT (2001Q3), procesadores 2x Intel Xeon 2.8GHz (2002Q3) puros de 32-bits, 2GB RDRAM, nVidia GeForce FX5500, 2x250GB Hitachi Cinemastar 7200 RPM IDE HDD #cde #unix #nscde #slackware #viernesdeescritorio #gnu #linux
0 boosts · 0 favs · 0 replies · Feb 7, 2025
#cde#unix#nscde#slackware#viernesdeescritorio#gnu
@[email protected]
Cada tanto me gusta mandar un lindo viernes de escritorio, esta vez con mi la vieja HP que alguna vez fue de mi viejo. #viernesdeescritorio #windowmaker #slackware #xmms2 #slackware15
0 boosts · 0 favs · 0 replies · Jun 7, 2024
#viernesdeescritorio#windowmaker#slackware#xmms2#slackware15