archlinux

Hi

I use it since a year or so.

It is great :) It is very stable although it updates in a rapid way. They completly updated the entire repository to gcc 4.0.1, some weeks after it was released. All packages got updated and it all still works very well.

You get the newest software without loss in stability.

To an advanced user who is able to configure himself. This includes writing (or using xorgconfig for it) Xorg.conf. In my opinion the most difficult file you have to edit.

Beneath that, the average Arch user just wants to get work done and use latest software. He doesn't want to have stuff installed he doesn't need, although it would be autoconfigured (which it is not in arch).

A user who knows exactly which software he wants, how to configure it to get it working and doesn't want to compile it himself, spend hours about it himself or alike.

pros for debian: Debian has much more packaged software than arch Debian has an automatic configuration system (Most times) debian can be updated without your system going mad, on arch sometimes user interaction is needed (it still is not mature and some core decisions are remade like adding initrd) Arch only provides the latest gcc (today 4.0.2), debian provides all common gcc versions

cons for debian: Arch is much more up to date than debian Arch isn't as bloated as debian Arch keeps everything simple and clean Arch boots up lots faster Arch's buildfiles are easy to get (cvsup) and easy to edit, too Arch has a user repository system (everybody can upload packages) Arch users are very friendly and provide help to even the bloodiest newbie with help.. for example on #archlinux (irc.freenode.net) Arch updates work fast and without hbuttle, like dependancy problems

I switched from Debian. Debian was ok for me, but as I tried Arch I realized it fits my needs much better. Don't get 1000 dumb questions asked, don't need to build stuff by myself because it's outdated, don't have to wait ages on boot...

Don't know that much about slack.

So long, Johannes Jordan