[PLUG] 64 bit distros, older laptops, processor upgrades

[Larry Brigman]

There was a group trying to build the 32 bit version of 7.  I don't know if
they succeeded.
SL6 had a 32 bit version.
http://ftp1.scientificlinux.org/linux/scientific/6x/i386/iso/
That one will be good through 2021 with security fixes until 2024.

On Wed, Dec 17, 2014 at 3:09 PM, Keith Lofstrom <keithl at gate.kl-ic.com>
wrote:
>
> My current fave distro, the Scientific Linux clone of Red
> Hat Enterprise Linux, is only releasing for x86-64 starting
> with version 7.  Many of my older machines have 32 bit
> processors, including most of my Thinkpad T60 and X60 laptops.
>
> Fortunately, the 32 bit laptops use Intel Socket M processors,
> mostly T2500.  It turns out that 64 bit T7200 processors work
> in the same socket.  So, I ordered a bunch of allegedly new
> T7200 processors for $8 each on eBay, and will upgrade
> hardware and distros when the CPUs arrive from Hong Kong.
> T7600 processors are 16% faster but cost $50, not worth it.
>
> This same upgrade probably works with other types of laptop;
> if this works for me, perhaps we can do a mass CPU replacement
> and distro upgrade for older laptops at the January clinic.
>
> Keith
>
> P.S. - SL is a trailing edge distro, but version 6 will
> provide long term support and security upgrades until 2023,
> and version 7 until 2026.  I wrote a huge pile of fragile
> legacy code that is a pain in the ass to upgrade, so I change
> versions as often as most people build a new house.  Extended
> LTS is more important than pretty GUIs and marble countertops.
>
> --
> Keith Lofstrom          keithl at keithl.com
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