Archlinux on pre-i686 computers

zowki · 2009-08-30 12:13:12

I understand that Archlinux is compatible with i686 processors onwards. But I'm getting an old Pentium MMX (i586 i think) computer and I am absolutely desperate to get Archlinux on it. Is it possible to make it work on that processor by perhaps recompiling the kernel or other mumbo jumbo?

zodmaner · 2009-08-30 12:20:36

There used to be a project that ported Arch Linux to older processors, called Lowarch, that would have suited your need.

Sadly though, it look like the project is now dead, so you might have to do it the hard way (recompile kernel and other packages yourself).

*Edit: Woohoo! 500th post!

*Edit2: You might want to check out this wiki's page: Arch-based Distros

Last edited by zodmaner (2009-08-30 12:27:20)

tomk · 2009-08-30 12:32:50

Most recent relevant activity was in April - a forum search for "i586" would have told you that. In general, if you want something Arch-related that isn't provided by the Arch devs, you need to do at least some of the work yourself. A good first step here would be offering to help out the guy who announced his i586 port here.

zowki · 2009-08-30 12:40:43

Ok thanks for the info, I'll take a look at the i586 port.

@zodmaner: Congrats on your 500th post, it will take a while for me to get there!

sand_man · 2009-09-01 03:04:11

I suppose if you manage to get a base installation working, you could just compile everything from ABS.

bernarcher · 2009-09-01 09:29:10

If you really want go through the chores adapting arch you might take a look at Linux from Scratch (LFS) just for reference.

It aims to build a slightly different system, but to understand and overcome ddifficulties and obstacles it has been (and still is) really worthwhile to me.

karol · 2009-09-01 10:09:57

http://www.norhtec.com/products/gecko/index.html
This $200 netbook is said to be i586.
http://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=74170

Maybe you could try Crux http://crux.nu/Main/Download.

zowki · 2009-09-01 13:22:47

Nevermind, this all seems too complicated for me! I'll just use debian which is i386 compatible.

tomk · 2009-09-01 16:02:00

Hmm.. not "absolutely desperate" after all then?

Seriously - yeah, if you just want something that installs and runs, pick another distro. Arch-i586 is a project, and none of the various attempts to get it going over the years have "stuck".

Arch Linux

#1 2009-08-30 12:13:12

Archlinux on pre-i686 computers

#2 2009-08-30 12:20:36

Re: Archlinux on pre-i686 computers

#3 2009-08-30 12:32:50

Re: Archlinux on pre-i686 computers

#4 2009-08-30 12:40:43

Re: Archlinux on pre-i686 computers

#5 2009-09-01 03:04:11

Re: Archlinux on pre-i686 computers

#6 2009-09-01 09:29:10

Re: Archlinux on pre-i686 computers

#7 2009-09-01 10:09:57

Re: Archlinux on pre-i686 computers

#8 2009-09-01 13:22:47

Re: Archlinux on pre-i686 computers

#9 2009-09-01 16:02:00

Re: Archlinux on pre-i686 computers

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