Linux has announced the end of support for the 486 and early Pentium processors with the upcoming release of the Linux 6.15 kernel. This decision marks a significant milestone, particularly since the 486 CPU had been nurtured long after mainstream technology had moved on. While Microsoft halted support for the 486 with the launch of Windows XP in 2001, Linux continued to offer compatibility for over two decades.
Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, stated on the Linux Kernel Mailing List that it was time to "leave i486 support behind," explaining that dedicating development time to maintain compatibility for such outdated hardware was inefficient. Senior kernel developer Ingo Molnár elaborated on the complications faced while supporting ancient 32-bit CPUs, which often required "compatibility glue" that detracted from progress on current systems.
This move signifies the first major drop in support for a chip family since 2012, when Linux ceased support for the 386 family. From now on, the minimum supported x86 CPU will be the original Pentium (P5) or newer, both of which include necessary features absent in older models like the 486 and early 586 processors.
Though some users may continue to run Linux on legacy hardware, this will be without any of the security patches available for modern kernels. Users can still opt for older distributions such as Debian 3.0 or Ubuntu 10.04, or for specialized distros aimed at vintage hardware.
The removal will clean up around 14,000 lines of legacy code, simplifying the kernel and improving its performance. While presently rare, the 486’s exit from Linux may evoke nostalgia for enthusiasts who remember it as a formidable processor in its prime. Despite the emotional weight of this farewell, the reality is that such old technology is mostly found now only in hobbyist circles or niche systems.
For those interested in Linux environments and distributions, exploring beginner-friendly options or learning from experienced developers is still encouraged as regarded resources.
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