However, while in the KISS principle that Slackware adheres to, "Simple" refers to the system design, Salix OS applies it to daily use as well.

Salix OS adds automated dependency resolution, enhanced internationalization and localization, a larger repository of applications, and a well equipped suite of native administration and configuration tools for both the GUI and the command line.

This mode is designed for advanced users that would like to install a lightweight Desktop environment and add their own choice of applications.

For the 'lazy Slackers' however, a full suite of internationalized system GUI utilities is provided along with ncurses counterparts which can be used in a non-graphical environment (runlevel 3).

One can thus determine whether and to what extent Salix OS is compatible with a particular hardware configuration and if it suits personal tastes before proceeding with the installation.

It also features LiveClone, a native GUI utility that easily manages the generation of a vanilla or customized Salix LiveCD onto a regular CD-ROM or a USB key.

Salix Live can also come in handy as a mobile solution or to perform some basic rescue operation such as fixing an ailing LILO bootloader, configuring some partitions, etc.

[17] Salix OS was originally initiated in 2009 by former Zenwalk developers George Vlahavas, Pierrick Le Brun, Thorsten Mühlfelder, and others, who wanted to return to a closer compatibility with Slackware and a simpler, more easily maintained distribution[19] All development for Salix OS is done in an open and cooperative manner and is hosted on SourceForge SVN.