Viable Linux Destop?

mbpark · 10-02-2001, 07:16 PM

Hello,

I learned one great thing about Linux today

.

It runs just fine on a 486DX2/50 with 28MB RAM as a little text box I can use for ssh, lynx, and other small things.

I got a 2.5GB (originally 4.1 with bad sectors), and put it right in my old Compaq LTE Elite laptop with mono screen. No X, since that's just BAD at 640*480 on a black and white screen, and with a weird chipset no less.

Now, when I have to ssh into servers and use all I need, I have a little linux box to do it all. I didn't need any more. I also use a P150MMX laptop with 48MB RAM as an Xterm for the Solaris boxes, since that has a better-supported chipset, even though it's a NeoMagic.

The only not-so-good thing was the fact that openssl and openssh take several hours to compile and run on a 486, but I can deal with that now that I have ssh and scp and it makes me happy to do so.

Plus, Linux was the only OS that could deal with the wacked PCMCIA setup, as well as the interesting other configuration niceties you get with a Compaq laptop. If you've ever used or owned one, you know exactly what I mean. FreeBSD hated this laptop with a passion.

Now, I've got a use for something that would be completely out of place running Windows 95. And it does the job better.

View Poll Results: Can linux be a viable home-use desktop solution?
Ya	15	78.95%
Negative	4	21.05%
Voters: 19. You may not vote on this poll

10-02-2001, 07:16 PM	#11
mbpark Lecturer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Carmel, Indiana Posts: 761	Meanwhile, I'm happy with one thing about linux: Hello, I learned one great thing about Linux today . It runs just fine on a 486DX2/50 with 28MB RAM as a little text box I can use for ssh, lynx, and other small things. I got a 2.5GB (originally 4.1 with bad sectors), and put it right in my old Compaq LTE Elite laptop with mono screen. No X, since that's just BAD at 640*480 on a black and white screen, and with a weird chipset no less. Now, when I have to ssh into servers and use all I need, I have a little linux box to do it all. I didn't need any more. I also use a P150MMX laptop with 48MB RAM as an Xterm for the Solaris boxes, since that has a better-supported chipset, even though it's a NeoMagic. The only not-so-good thing was the fact that openssl and openssh take several hours to compile and run on a 486, but I can deal with that now that I have ssh and scp and it makes me happy to do so. Plus, Linux was the only OS that could deal with the wacked PCMCIA setup, as well as the interesting other configuration niceties you get with a Compaq laptop. If you've ever used or owned one, you know exactly what I mean. FreeBSD hated this laptop with a passion. Now, I've got a use for something that would be completely out of place running Windows 95. And it does the job better.

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