iB::Topic::old pc's are better supported by the linux kernel

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Topic: old pc's are better supported by the linux kernel

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monkeyweb

Group: Members
Posts: 5
Joined: Aug. 2007

Posted: Aug. 16 2007,13:18

why old pc's are better supported by the linux kernel?
i'm not purchase a new pc,because linux kernel have only partial support of it.
best supporto is when install dsl on an intel 586 (pentium1).

curaga

Group: Members
Posts: 2163
Joined: Feb. 2007

Posted: Aug. 16 2007,14:20

Because they are new. It takes time to create drivers, and many companies do not release information for new devices, result being that many new devices have drivers in Windows only..

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There's no such thing as life. Those mean little jocks invented it ;)
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Windows is not a virus. A virus does something!

tinker

Group: Members
Posts: 33
Joined: May 2007

Posted: Aug. 16 2007,14:26

Quote (monkeyweb @ Aug. 16 2007,09:18)

why old pc's are better supported by the linux kernel?
i'm not purchase a new pc,because linux kernel have only partial support of it.
best supporto is when install dsl on an intel 586 (pentium1).

The linux kernel can only support hardware that was available at the time when that version of the kernel was coded. No way for the developers to know about hardware that had not yet been created. Hence, sometimes one must load a module that has been created for a newer piece of hardware or use a wrapper. If you think about it, it makes sense.

There is lots of equipment that is newer than P1 which is supported well in the 2.4 series version of the kernel and more that is supported in the 2.6 series (which is available in DSL-N or through the ways documented by posters in the forum archives). It certainly is possible to go out and buy equipment that is not yet supported by the Linux kernel but why would you choose do that, there are lists of what equipment works with the Linux kernel out on the Internet. Keep in mind the mission of DSL is to have a small footprint and make old equipment with low resources work in today's bigger, faster, more, environment. Something it does very well. Robert has done a lot to add support and is continually working to do so, other members of the DSL community have contributed their efforts for hardware that they personally have in their system.

Well, yes, DSL with the stock 2.4 kernel does work well on a Pentium (whether the classic P or the P w/mmx. Or an AMD k6 or VIA C7 It'll also work on a 486. It will also work on a P3, K6-2, etc. It does the job it was coded for and, I think, it does it well.

What new equipment do you want to purchase? It is possible you may want to use a different distro with new equipment. Many new features and newer versions of applications can be available, that way. Even things that would bog down old equipment that some of us use. DSL makes that old equipment run fast enough to be useable.

tinker

Group: Members
Posts: 33
Joined: May 2007

Posted: Aug. 16 2007,15:09

An addition.

Does anyone reading this thread speak or write Italian? If monkeyweb has to run our comments through a translation website, some of the content may be lost or obscured.