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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Are older, but Linux compatible computers capable of running the newest kernel/version of various distros? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by Macaroni9538@lemmy.ml to c/linux@lemmy.ml

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Guys I truly don't mean to spam the community but these are legit questions. Yesterday I posted about linux compatibility and computers and every single person gave me knowledge to use and you're all awesome.

Now my question is, I will undoubtedly be purchasing an older machine, would an older but good running machine still be able to install the latest kernels or versions of distros or are you limited to older versions only, based on the era of your laptop or is it really about the hardware you have? I know ram, disk space, basic stuff like that matters with distros, but I know that will not be a problem. I guess I'm thinking beyond that like processors. are older processors or anything else hold certain machines from being compatible with the newest and greatest kernels? Thanks!

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[–] notthebees@reddthat.com 11 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

Probably yes. As long as it's 64 bit, it will run without issue, hardware dependant. For 32 bit machines, you have to be more careful. The 32 bit core duo and pentium m CPUs don't support pae.

Edit: First Gen Pentium M don't show pae support as a flag but they do.support it. You have to set forcepae for some distros. I read the page incorrectly. Pentium M laptops that have 5 in their model number, like the 735 are second gen Pentium M

[–] ipsirc@lemmy.world 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

The 32 bit core duo and pentium m CPUs DO support pae, as every intel compatible 32-bit CPUs since Pentium Pro.

[–] notthebees@reddthat.com 1 points 1 year ago

They don't show pae support so some OSes have issues. This is specifically for the first generation. I have a Pentium M 735 laptop which shouldn't have this issue but for whatever reason PAE enabled OSes such as 32 bit Ubuntu won't boot. I probably screwed something up. It currently runs bunsenlabs helium as it doesn't require PAE. I'll amend my previous comment