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Linux 7.2 finally cuts off ancient x86 fallback code (unknownuniverse.uk)
submitted 14 hours ago by cm0002@literature.cafe to c/linux@programming.dev
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Linux 7.2 has landed, dragging x86 timing clean out of the nineties by making the Time Stamp Counter mandatory.

I wrote up a quick article on why ditching those ancient legacy fallbacks is good housekeeping, plus a few other bits like cache-aware scheduling and memory tweaks worth noting.

Is anyone still using legacy hardware? If so, what do you use it for?

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[-] refalo@programming.dev 11 points 11 hours ago

Lots of retro enthusiasts still use legacy hardware for all sorts of reasons... I fear that a fork of the kernel will be necessary in the near future to keep these machines running.

The notion of using Linux to revive old hardware and keep it out of the landfill may not last forever...

[-] yetAnotherUser@discuss.tchncs.de 7 points 8 hours ago

There are ultra long term support Linux kernels though.

Linux 6.12 will be supported until at least 2036 for instance.

[-] tux0r@snac.rosaelefanten.org 2 points 8 hours ago

Just use NetBSD and never look back :)

The notion of using Linux to revive old hardware and keep it out of the landfill may not last forever…

Linux supports much less old hardware than its competitors.

this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2026
63 points (98.5% liked)

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