16 bits X86 system

Forum: DSL Embedded
Topic: 16 bits X86 system
started by: wing_newton

Posted by wing_newton on Feb. 27 2006,22:47

Does DSL work well with a 16 bits X86 system ? I am thinking of using the Vadem VG330 to build an embedded X86 PMD (Personal Multimedia Device - Video, Audio (MP3), ebook, TV recording, Camcorder, camera, Wifi, SD/MMC, USB, 3.5" LCD, keypad, etc) using DSL. Please advise.

Posted by skaos on Feb. 28 2006,11:26

Quote

Does DSL work well with a 16 bits X86 system?

If you by 16 bit means a 80286 or lower, it doesn't work at all. Linux requires a memory management unit (mmu) which was introduced with the 80386. You could take a look at < http://elks.sourceforge.net/ > or google for embedded linux versions for processors without mmu.

Posted by pr0f3550r on Feb. 28 2006,13:42

wing_newton,

'embedded' in this forum means emulated with qemu (or vmware).
What you want instead is a unix-like OS that works on 16-bit intel compatible chips.
I'd go for Minix.

Posted by humpty on Mar. 30 2006,13:47

qemu on win98 ? perhaps too slow!