From: Derek.Bischoff%f1.n3641.z1@psybbs.durham.nc.us (Derek Bischoff) Subject: Re: Linux 'port to 16-bit machines?? Date: 9 Sep 1993 21:49:01 GMT
-=> Quoting ph9991_hall to All <=-
p> I have two 16-bit machines I use as footstools and doorprops in my
p> computer room, and I was wondering if I will ever be able to do
p> anything more constructive with them. Would it be possible to 'port
p> the Linux OS over to the lower PC's such as 8088's and '286's? I know
p> that a GOOD multitasking OS requires a '386 or better, but could a
p> NON-multitasking Linux be made available?
Hey buddy. You do have options, however, they are not Linux.
I am afraid that Linux relies on the architecture of the 386 or better
to opperate, and you will need to do some serious code writing
(equal to writing an os) to over-rule it. HOWEVER, you asked
if there was a NON-multitasking LInux. Well, if you are looking
for Non multitasking, you could always use one of many
Unix shells for dos. This would yield the greatest speed, and provide
unix tools, programming, and UUCP.
As an alternet (sp) you could use (I believe) Xenix, atleast
for the 286, and (I think) Minix is available for 8088/286, and
I have heard that there was a small version of BSD for the same.
this is all over hearing, since I haven't used any of these OS's
(except Xenix, which works great on a 386/16 laptop)
Good luck on your quest,
Me?, I just put 2 more XT's that have become available in this
department, I just hung them on one of the hosts I have here,
the more terminals, the merrier.
... Sincerely, Derek