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Running Modern Linux on a 1989 486: A Crazy Science Project

2025-04-21

The author successfully installed and ran a 2017 Linux kernel (4.14.8) on a 1989 AMD 5x86 486 PC. This wasn't easy; challenges included using Gentoo Linux (a distribution requiring manual compilation of all packages), wrestling with drivers for ancient hardware, and overcoming incompatibility between an 80-pin PATA cable and the motherboard. Ultimately, the aged machine successfully ran modern software like Python, Git, and Nginx, although boot time was a grueling 11 minutes and shutdown took 5.5 minutes. The project demonstrates Linux's remarkable backward compatibility and the author's impressive persistence.

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(yeokhengmeng.com)
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Running a Large Language Model on DOS? Believe It!

2025-04-21
Running a Large Language Model on DOS? Believe It!

A developer has successfully run a Large Language Model (LLM) on a vintage DOS PC! Leveraging Andrej Karpathy's llama2.c project, they ported Meta's Llama 2 model to DOS, demonstrating it on machines like a Thinkpad T42 (2004) and a Toshiba Satellite 315CDT (1996). Despite challenges with memory mapping and floating-point operations, they overcame hurdles using the Open Watcom compiler and a DOS extender. While slow, the achievement showcases the surprising capabilities of retro computing.

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(yeokhengmeng.com)
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