Linux 7.1 has entered the release candidate phase, and if it proves to be a stable enough release in the coming weeks, it will be released for everyone to use. The new version removes support for the i486 processor, released in 1989, because it was impossible to continue maintaining it when no one was probably using it yet.
While some people have lamented Linux dropping support for a piece of hardware, the truth is that I think it was necessary for Linus to do so. And not only that, but I think the core would be better off cutting it even more.
The idea that “Linux runs on anything” can be detrimental to the kernel
Functionality must come before pride
I think one of the main reasons people were sad about Linux losing support for the i486 processor was due to their greatest pride: that Linux could run on everything. So the idea that Linux will no longer “work on everything” was obviously a disappointment.
However, there is a very real human cost to ensuring Linux works on literally everything. All updates must ensure that they work properly with a piece of hardware that no one is actually running Linux on. And any consideration for a computer so old that people probably don’t use it anymore drains energy that would be better off going elsewhere.
Linux 7.1 finally ends support for the 37-year-old Intel 486 processor
Sorry to the six people who still use one.
The people using the hardware probably don’t care anyway.
I can’t imagine anyone running an i486 downloading new Linux kernels
Let’s assume for a moment that someone actually uses Linux on an i486. If so, my next question is: are they really eager to download the latest Linux kernel? Do they look at Linux 7.0 and rub their hands with glee imagining running the bare minimum on their nearly 40 year old CPU? Probably not.
In fact, I’d bet they found an old version of Linux, installed it on their CPU, and left it at that. Of course the version of Linux they are using is no longer supported and is vulnerable to attacks, but I don’t think an i486 PC is connected to the internet. Apparently there are a few tips and tricks you can use to get an i486 over the internet, but you end up with a limited and miserable experience, to the point where I really don’t think a hacker could sneak onto your system. I don’t think there would be enough room on your hardware to install a backdoor.
Linux 7.0 prepares fixes for a Wi-Fi driver… from 2017
It really is the ideal home for old equipment.
However, it is good to retain some existing support.
I don’t want it all to disappear
So, am I advocating that Linus simply scrap any material released before 2022 and focus on new releases? Absolutely not. While I think the idea that “Linux can run on anything” can be detrimental to the kernel, I think it’s also a really interesting part of the system. It’s just that we have to be reasonable with it.
For example, there are very old PCs with Internet connectivity that are very old and need an operating system that can provide protection for them. For them, Linux is the ideal solution. And if Linus ever decides that these people no longer deserve Linux updates, then I’ll be pretty upset about that decision.
However, some use cases really should have been removed earlier. Things like the i486 processor and the recent Linux 7.0 update that removed support for a specific type of cable only used at a university a few decades ago probably should have been removed much sooner. By reducing the chaff, managers can stay focused on the areas where their attention really matters without distracting anyone.
Linux 7.0 finally abandons a standard it supported for over 20 years
Don’t panic; you don’t use it.
Existing support needs a reason to stay
Supporting existing hardware just for the sake of supporting it sounds good in practice; in reality, it can represent a real drain on resources for zero return. Although Linux works and should continue to work on older hardware, there are some edge cases that should be allowed to pass into memory.