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Linux, Outside the (x86) Box

By Peter Seebach
2005-06-29

What is it about Linux that makes it so attractive for non-x86 platforms?
It's obvious -- Linux™ has become an attractive option for non-x86 platforms. Why? In this article, the author examines the reasons for this, including the fact that Linux on non-x86 enables affordable, easy-to-do virtualization; provides for better reliability, power consumption, and extended memory support; covers the lower and upper ranges of machines, giving users options outside of the middle range; revitalizes older hardware; and drives innovation.

In the early days, Linux ran on just a narrow range of systems, mostly processors compatible with the Intel® 80386 processor. But the drive to get the first shell prompt on a new piece of hardware motivates people to do crazy things, targeting a variety of processors that "everyone knows" are not viable Linux platforms, such as handheld computers, watches, game consoles, and a variety of workstations and servers.

Some people tend to dismiss non-x86 Linux as an idle amusement (it isn't; it's actually more than just a lot of fun). Linux development for other-than-x86 hardware has led to improvements in the quality of the Linux kernel, even for x86 users. Today, the main Linux kernel has code for 22 architectures, although not all of them are equally well supported or mature.

There are two questions to consider when looking at non-x86 Linux:

  • "Why would I run Linux on this hardware?"
  • "Why wouldn't I use an x86 for this?"

Most Linux users are already familiar with the reasons to run Linux instead of another operating system. In this article, I'll take a look at the reasons to run Linux on something other than x86.





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First published by IBM DeveloperWorks
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