Once you have your SLAX installation up and running from USB, you might want to add additional software applications. These applications can be added to SLAX Linux via the installation of compressed modules.
What are SLAX Modules?
SLAX is a lightweight, modular Linux distribution based on Slackware. In SLAX, modules play a crucial role in extending and customizing the system. Modules are compressed filesystem images containing the necessary files, libraries, and configurations for specific applications or functionalities. They can be loaded or unloaded dynamically, providing a flexible and modular system.
SLAX Module Examples
Here's just a few examples of the types of Modules that can be used with SLAX.
- Desktop Environment Modules: Modules for different desktop environments such as KDE, XFCE, etc.
- Software Modules: Modules for specific software applications like browsers, editors, etc.
- Module Drivers for Hardware Support: Modules containing drivers for specific hardware components.
- IDE Modules for Development Tools: Modules providing development tools and libraries.
Where to find Modules for SLAX?
SLAX maintains an official module repository where users can find and download additional modules. To add and use SLAX modules, simply download your chosen modules from the official repository below.
SLAX module repository: https://www.slax.org/modules.php
Users often contribute their own modules, expanding the available software and functionality.
Creating SLAX Modules
You can also create or roll your own SLAX modules. A SLAX module is simply a compressed squashfs file. The typical structure includes directories like bin, lib, usr, etc, resembling the root filesystem.
You can create SLAX modules using tools like mksquashfs. By issuing a command from the command line. For example:
mksquashfs /path/to/module/ module_name.xzmModule Naming Convention: Notice how SLAX module files utilize the extension .xzm.
Installing or Using SLAX Modules
Once you've located and downloaded the modules you want to install, you can proceed to add them to the /modules directory on your USB flash drive. Modules can also be loaded using the load command in SLAX. For instance:
load /path/to/module/module_name.xzmTo mount or load modules automatically at boot, you can create a directory named modules in the root of your SLAX device and place your modules there.
If you want to unload a module, you can use the unload command, as follows:
unload /path/to/module/module_name.xzm