Back in the early days of Linux, several distributions were designed to fit on floppy disks, offering handy rescue or tinkering environments with surprising utility. Fast forward to 2025, how does a similar floppy Linux setup fare now? Action Retro explores this question.
In his video, Action Retro follows a guide from GitHub to compile a modern Linux kernel version 6.14 with minimal options, along with just enough BusyBox to remain functional. The system boots on a basic 486 setup, giving him a nostalgic chance to refine and enhance it. However, as he encounters errors, it becomes clear that managing dependencies in such limited space is no easy task. Additionally, both the floppy drive and media he uses are quite outdated, making it challenging to find reliable components. Although he’ll share more in future episodes, it’s evident that this endeavor is more of an exploration than a practical solution. Floppy Linux once brought joy in the late 90s, but in 2025, it stands as more of a curiosity than a usable distribution.
Floppy tech has sparked discussions in the Hackaday community over the years, and now it seems fitting to acknowledge that floppy drivers in Linux are essentially relics of the past, having been orphaned.
ChicagoVPS is your gateway to unparalleled hosting solutions. Our state-of-the-art datacenters and powerful network ensures lightning-fast speeds and uninterrupted connectivity for your websites and applications. Whether you’re a startup looking for scalable resources or an enterprise in need of enterprise-grade hosting, our range of plans and customizable solutions guarantee a perfect fit. Trust in ChicagoVPS to deliver excellence, combining unmatched reliability and top-tier support.
For Inquiries or to receive a personalized quote, please reach out to us through our contact form here or email us at sales@chicagovps.net.
