Episode 6:12: It's All About the Pentiums

In this nostalgic and tech-forward episode of Linux User Space, hosts Leo and Dan reflect on the end of an era with the removal of the Intel 486 from the Linux kernel, evoking memories of early computing days. They reminisce about upgrading aging hardware with aftermarket chips, the challenges of DOS-era software, and the joy of simple, functional systems. The conversation shifts to modern computing realities, including Ubuntu's new 6GB RAM requirement, the impracticality of running old OSes on modern hardware due to clock speed mismatches, and the growing trend toward lightweight, static websites as a reaction to bloated web apps. They also critique Firefox's built-in VPN for its WebRTC leak vulnerability, advocating for real network-level VPNs instead. The episode closes with a look at the skyrocketing cost of RAM and its impact on affordable computing platforms like the Raspberry Pi, where high memory prices have made even entry-level models prohibitively expensive, prompting a reevaluation of their value proposition. Despite these challenges, the hosts express hope for a return to more affordable memory and a continued appreciation for simplicity and open ecosystems.