BackSlash Linux will no longer receive updates.

Before I get into any more details and reasoning, I apologise for discontinuing the project so abruptly. I know quite a few people liked this distribution, but I have reasons for discontinuing the project. And therefore, I announce that the project will be in a 'fully discontinued' state as of September 15, 2021, and no new versions will be released. Any new patches to the existing systems won't be released, and there won't be any updates of any type — In fact, there has been none for some time.

Nostalgia...

The first version of BackSlash Linux – Anna was initially released in November 2016, and this was a project that I had been working on for a long time. I was then a student of Computer Science, and I was just too much excited to build something. The earlier versions were no different than the Cinnamon and the Pantheon default desktops. It was the third version – Olaf, in which the BackSlash Shell brought some serious look and feel changes, and the community was also optimistic about it, for the most part. As BackSlash Linux evolved, the last release, Kristoff, was one of the most beautiful looking Linux distributions out there for a while. BackSlash has enjoyed its days for sure, and now is the time to say goodbye.

Factors impacting this decision...

Some of you reading this message, might recognize/know me. Some of you might not. For those who do not know me, let me introduce myself. I am just student who was trying to do something stupid and I was having a lot of fun. Eventually, I liked what I built and I decided to post it on the internet one day and it took off. I can not thank you enough for those smearing number of downloads and YouTube videos, you guys have published on BackSlash Linux. It became so big that OSI 2017 invited me to introduce BackSlash Linux in their conference and OSFY did an an article on the distribution.

But as I said, I am just a student. Currently, I am completing my Masters from University of Buffalo, NY in Data Science. Although, I do not work part-time or anything, I have been going through a lot of school work and research and stuff. And some of you might understand that Data Science is not exactly related to building a Linux distribution in any manner. I did think of coming back to BackSlash Linux and publish some updates but that is just not possible at this moment due to time constraints. I have plans for PhD and further scientific research for my future and I do not see anything inclined with a distribution development in that. I would, however, contribute to the betterment of this world by my research and you can wish me luck for that. 😅

What this means for you - the end user...

Well, there are no new updates for you, unfortunately. This website will continue to function as usual, and you will be able to download the older releases of BackSlash Linux. But I probably, won't advise using BackSlash Linux as your primary system too. No support options would be available — support has been too limited for some time too. Social media handles of BackSlash Linux would be kept intact, and you are free to show some love by tagging BackSlash Linux in a post and/or posting on the timeline of the project page. Downloads for prior editions of BackSlash Linux are still available on Sourceforge and a link to the project is present in the navbar if you ever want to visit that page.

The return to the roots...

As I just mentioned, BackSlash Linux is going to be discontinued! But, if given enough time and a second chance, will I come back to it and restart the project? And the answer to that is Yes and also No - which together makes Yo! Okay, bad joke! There's a transition happening now, and Linux is becoming better each day. I'm not going to try and read the tea leaves and figure out what the future looks like in that regard. The question for BackSlash Linux is, "Do we try to compete by offering a choice when there are so many better distibutions?" A few months ago, I thought the answer was obvious and that we would, but now I'm convinced of the opposite. It's time when I take a cup of coffee, sit back on my porch, relax and see Linux grow.

Where to go from here...

Well, I can easily recommend you great distibutions like Ubuntu, Majaro or Mint to move on to and if you're ever looking for a great alternative and you wish to use a Linux distribution made in India, Garuda Linux is one of the best choices right now — which I can recommend. The system is also optimised for gaming and also looks pretty.

Like a break up, posting this hurts me too; but like a break up, this is unfortunate truth and has to be accepted.

I am putting up a Wall, where you can post your thoughts and memories about BackSlash Linux. I hope I will see you guys soon.

Stay safe.


Download BackSlash Linux

— Kumar Priyansh
 Former Developer and Maintainer
 BackSlash Linux

Post memory on the wall