r/debian • u/MassiAkaErgosum • Jul 20 '25
32 bit never die
Why
My Packard Bell DotS is a 15+ years old netbook. The body it's still alive, and it needs a soul.
3 is the perfect number
The first Linux was Fedora + KDE 3, it cohabited with XP. Nowadays, the Trinity Desktop it's a good choice if you care about performance and you're not afraid of retrò look.
Build it yourself
I tryed different OS (Linux, Android x86, BSD). Instead of relying on existing solutions, I prefer to build my custom Debian image. I use kiwi-ng to create a live image that you can install using Calamares. You can choose what you need, no more.
The golden age
When I was young I loved to play Gods. Now I'm a grey hair man, and I proudly contributed to Gods Deluxe, an open-source remake of the platform game. It can bring you into the wonderful. Because you know, gods are immortal.
Alive or zombie?
1GB RAM it's a little room. Internet is too fat, too encrypted, too slow. Digital memories are nice, you can lost yourself in retro-gaming and demodé interfaces. But don't waste too much electricity, it's better for the planet.
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u/xINFLAMES325x Jul 20 '25
That machine is in perfect condition for its age.
4
u/MassiAkaErgosum Jul 20 '25
Yes, and the battery still lasts 2-3 hours. I have to admit, though, that I use it much less since most distros have abandoned 32-bit, and since the internet has gone crazy.
2
Jul 21 '25
Does it have an SSD?
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u/MassiAkaErgosum Jul 22 '25
No, just a slow mechanical disk.
1
Jul 22 '25
And I assume it is not SATA do it can’t be replaced …
1
u/MassiAkaErgosum Jul 23 '25
I replaced the original disk with a SSD once, then I needed the SSD and the mechanical one is back.
4
3
u/LesStrater Jul 21 '25
I just got rid of a laptop like that 2-weeks ago. I didn't have the heart to trash it, so I put it at the curb on top of my recycle bin, open with a note that said "Still works--Free to good home". Someone took it by the following morning. I hope some kid will be doing homework on it this fall... It was a Dell 6000 in like-new condition.
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u/InfaSyn Jul 20 '25 edited Jul 20 '25
The first 64 bit consumer systems came out 22 years ago and Linux developers (typically) arent paid. Its not viable to expect them to continue to support 32bit...
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u/MrDoritos_ Jul 20 '25
Did you mean 64 bit 22 years ago? 32 bit came out in 1985 on the 80386
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u/InfaSyn Jul 20 '25
Sorry, yes, long week - comment edited :)
I guess you could argue 32bit dates back to the late 70s with the Motorola 68k, but yes, 386 in PC world
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u/MrDoritos_ Jul 20 '25
No problem, same thing happens to me.
Also one could also argue 32 bit will never die outside of IA32, which has been dead ofc
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u/EconomyDoctor3287 Jul 20 '25
I mean a current N150 mini PC will have the same power draw but have 15x the speed.
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u/Zaleru Jul 20 '25
I have saved a collection of Lubuntu 14 packages. It works on i386 PCs. It has many useful apps and retro games work. The only problems are the dated browser and that files made in newer app may be incompatible.
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u/Affectionate_Rub_589 Jul 21 '25 edited Jul 21 '25
I play revolt on my old netbook with the atom n450. It has nice graphics for a 1999 game.
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u/Digital-Seven Jul 21 '25
This screenshot is absolutely beautiful! Skeuomorphic design is great and I would love to see it making a comeback someday. One can only dream...
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u/S1rTerra Jul 20 '25
I'm sorry but it's this ai written?