Zenwalk

Zenwalk Linux is a discontinued Slackware-based Linux distribution aimed at experienced Linux users. It emphasizes minimalism, speed, and adherence to the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) principle. Originally developed by Jean-Philippe Guillemin, Zenwalk aimed to provide a multimedia-focused desktop environment while maintaining a small footprint.

Zenwalk used Xfce as its default desktop environment, known for its lightness and configurability. It featured a modular approach, allowing users to install and remove software packages easily using the Netpkg package manager, a custom-developed tool for managing software dependencies and installation. Netpkg relied on dependency resolution and offered functionalities similar to APT (Debian's Advanced Package Tool) or Yum (Yellowdog Updater, Modified, used in Fedora and CentOS).

A key aspect of Zenwalk was its focus on multimedia. The distribution came pre-configured with a selection of applications for audio and video playback, editing, and creation. This made it suitable for users who wanted a system ready for multimedia tasks out-of-the-box.

Zenwalk was available in both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. Due to its discontinued development, users seeking an actively maintained distribution are advised to consider alternative options. While Zenwalk provided a unique blend of minimalism and multimedia capabilities, its lack of ongoing updates poses a security risk and may lead to compatibility issues with newer hardware and software.