This repo provides the files necessary to build a Linux-based "operating system" for old i486 systems with at least 8MB of RAM. Build scripts for all components of the sysem are provided. An i486-linux toolchain is also built, enabling you to compile other programs for the system.
This repo provides the files necessary to build a modern Linux-based "operating system" for old i486 systems with at least 8MB of RAM. Build scripts for all components of the system are provided. An i486-linux toolchain is also built, enabling you to compile other programs for use with the system.
The generated boot floppy disk provides you with a Busybox system that is kept entirely in memory. uClibc's shared library files are also loaded into memory, allowing other programs to save on memory (as opposed to using static binaries).
@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ A second floppy containing additional kernel modules can also be generated. Both
## Build requirements
* building tools (make, gcc, linux's requirements, etc.)
* building tools (make, gcc, linux kernel's requirements, etc.)
* bash
* wget
* tar, xz, bzip2
@ -31,8 +31,7 @@ The system requires an i486 or better processor, a 3.5" floppy drive, and at lea
Notes:
* Once the system is booted, the floppy disk can be removed.
* Once the system is booted, the boot floppy is no longer needed.
* root's password is `toor`.
* Mount the modules floppy to `/lib/modules`; then, use `modprobe` for loading and unloading.
* The `msdos` module may need to be loaded to read MS-DOS/FAT floppies.