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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Are older, but Linux compatible computers capable of running the newest kernel/version of various distros? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Guys I truly don't mean to spam the community but these are legit questions. Yesterday I posted about linux compatibility and computers and every single person gave me knowledge to use and you're all awesome.

Now my question is, I will undoubtedly be purchasing an older machine, would an older but good running machine still be able to install the latest kernels or versions of distros or are you limited to older versions only, based on the era of your laptop or is it really about the hardware you have? I know ram, disk space, basic stuff like that matters with distros, but I know that will not be a problem. I guess I'm thinking beyond that like processors. are older processors or anything else hold certain machines from being compatible with the newest and greatest kernels? Thanks!

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (4 children)

Oh you again, yes Linux supports every normal hardware, and even a lot of crazy ones like Risc-V

On Android the system is bundled with the firmware as it comes from the same people. And for some reason those people dont like providing updates for sane amounts of time, like... 20 years?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (3 children)

haha yes me, no I was wondering about running the latest versions of linux on older machines. are they capable or more limited to older versions just because the age and the older hardware?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Every Linux runs everywhere! This is not Android, iOS or MacOS! Backwards compatibility is the key word here.

Your purse will limit you to older hardware though.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

But I just may not be able to run the newer releases that come out and continue to come out? if the machine is a tad old? is that what I'm getting? because that's what im trying to figure out

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

No, every Linux works on every regular Laptop.