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this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2025
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Linux
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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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You could acquire a pretty cheap PC for Linux it runs on a potato. Try an electrical scrap heap nearby that you can fossick from or a friend with an old, unused system in storage (even a cheap $20 retro PC from your local marketplace?) to acquire an old retro system. You might not even need a new screen depending what connections your existing screens/TV has and if you could use a cheap adapter and cable from the thrift store.
Linux runs on basically any retro PC and laptop excluding some annoying wifi chips that need planning before the install if you don't have ethernet. Some really old tech may also require specific distributions that still offer support too.
Machines with a 32bit CPU you will want to confirm beforehand if your chosen distribution still offers a supported 32bit install image and retro PC's with obscure expansion cards that perhaps were never supported. This is likely moving into vintage collectors territory though and you would have to be pretty lucky now to find a machine like that super cheap and working.