I kinda miss the idea that the kernel would run on literally any hardware it ever did support, but I totally get it, especially now that there's an emphasis on reducing attack surfaces.
this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2026
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I have some xeons in an old server running that I can't update to the next version of Rocky because the kernel won't support them :(
Isn't that just Rocky configuring the kernel that way? You're free to compile your own kernel and it'll still support even old pentiums, just not i486 in new versions
Someone will keep up support and you're always welcome to merge it and compile your kernel.
Lots of retro enthusiasts still use legacy hardware for all sorts of reasons... I fear that a fork of the kernel will be necessary in the near future to keep these machines running.
The notion of using Linux to revive old hardware and keep it out of the landfill may not last forever...
There are ultra long term support Linux kernels though.
Linux 6.12 will be supported until at least 2036 for instance.
Or just don't connect to the public internet and continue using a kernel that works? Even with internet, the attack vectors for such a machine are nearly non existent.
And why do they need to use the latest Linux kernel for that hardware, again?
Security updates if you use it online or copy new binaries to run on it. Even if you're not worried about hackers, there can still be viruses and malware that destroy your data.
I do agree. Maybe I'm little paranoid, but I feel like in some years, recycle old chips will be the only IT available
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I use a Compaq CQ510-SD for writing. Lovely small keyboard, only has a resolution of 1024x600, but with some zoom configured in autostart that increases to twice that. It works as little more than a glorified text processor, but it suits my needs just fine while I can't find its equal in the x64 or ARM market.
Use an ultra long support kernel like 6.12
But why does it need updates if it works? Just don't connect it to the Internet and you can run it until either it dies or you die.
I tend to write on it on the couch or at the library or wherever, and then use syncthing to sync with my desktop. This does require keeping syncthing updated.
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