Anything about old PCs, their uses, related OSes and their users
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I looked at that thread and noticed several posts to the effect that you can't run 64-bit software comfortably in 2GB of RAM. I was flabbergasted. My main computer (I call it Bigboy) has 2GB and I consider it very fast. One of the distros I run on it is Crux, which is source-based, so I get to see a lot of builds and they just wizz along. Only Firefox takes a long time linking the xulrunner library.
My second-hand laptop (Littleboy) has 1GB and is a bit slow, but not uncomfortably so with the right desktop. People seem very easily dissatisfied these days.
Agreed, for Linux, 2Gb is quite a bit of Ram. Thanks for mentioning about Crux, will look into it. Modern expensive PCs are being even sold with 12Gb ram, when I purchased my FIRST Internal HD, it was just 800 Mb !! But in those days, I mostly used just test, still do so.
Also, even if support ends, as long as the hardware is ok, those 32bit systems must work offline forever. For online, slowly some sites will stop working, specially those like youtube that need latest software, online banking and other secure sites etc., also. However, a senior can perhaps go to a Library etc., and use a more recent PC there for these special services if needed then. But for this, the 32 bit will still be good to use at home for normal browsing, chat, reading PDFs etc., If seen from this point, these 32 bit PCs might even serve 10 years and beyond from today as the older PCs were more robust and built to last.
If seen from this point, these 32 bit PCs might even serve 10 years and beyond from today as the older PCs were more robust and built to last.
That reminded me of a 386 desktop from the early 90's I had briefly at one time. The case was built like a tank! I've not seen such thick metal on a case before or since.
Regards...
Last edited by ardvark71; 07-07-2016 at 07:35 AM.
Reason: Changed wording.
Also the following positives are also expected:
1. Older 32 bit hardware will be given away more freely. So, now is a good time to grab some, specially laptops etc.,
Keep an eye out for these, spread the word out.
2. Retired IT Professionals who worked on 32bit systems, students and IT Professors might still support the 32 Bit for giving back to community, general interest, school projects etc.,
3. Much of the 32 Bit software will be released for free with time. This is also something to watch for. For eg., I was informed that 16bit FreeDos is Free now.
Got FreeNAS. recently, 8 Megs of Ram needed for this it says, it is quite something, biggest Ram need I have come across
so far, must look for other similar software: https://doc.freenas.org/9.10/freenas.html
I learned a lot from city inspection of my apt. building, to keep things organized and don't keep too much that it attracts bad attention. Having said that, now I regret having had to recycle two good older P2 laptops during the inspection and followups. Now I have learned to use such hardware better. Before throwing older hardware, I encourage all to come to this thread and learn. Best to make use of older hardware and give it to others also generously. Wonder if one can even make a career out of assisting others to use such older hardware, this would be really neat. Here, locally I saw an ad for used old P4s for 30 bucks a piece, never expected them to be this cheap and also never expected them to be sold still. Looking at the ads. for older hardware is fun sometimes. Plan to learn more about servers, this will help to use older hardware better. Best Wishes to all, keep learning and support others using older hardware.
Edited to add: Before at the start of this thread, I was wondering if I was among the very few using older hardware. Learning more about them shows that I am far from alone and many still use them as servers. I thought this thread was done long ago and will not post much here. However, as new hardware becomes available, current hardware becomes old, IT grows more, there will always be learning opportunities inregards to using older PCs.
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Thats really the main reason I replaced all my old stuff, the power use. The 4-6 raspberry pi's I have running at any given moment use less electricity than one of my old boxes.
Wow, never expected to find these, wonder how come these hardware are all still running. Mind boggling every time one thinks their PC is old and considers throwing it away.
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