Are older, but Linux compatible computers capable of running the newest kernel/version of various distros?

Guys I truly don’t mean to spam the community but these are legit questions. Yesterday I posted about linux compatibility and computers and every single person gave me knowledge to use and you’re all awesome.

Now my question is, I will undoubtedly be purchasing an older machine, would an older but good running machine still be able to install the latest kernels or versions of distros or are you limited to older versions only, based on the era of your laptop or is it really about the hardware you have? I know ram, disk space, basic stuff like that matters with distros, but I know that will not be a problem. I guess I’m thinking beyond that like processors. are older processors or anything else hold certain machines from being compatible with the newest and greatest kernels? Thanks!

words_number,

Yes, the linux kernel will work! I’d say it’s even more likely that wifi, soundcard, etc. work without any problems than if you’d buy a bleeding edge laptop (although these mostly also just work nowadays). The oldest machine I’ve got is a laptop from 12 years ago which easily runs modern linux, but even much older machines shouldn’t have a problem with that, at least not with the kernel.

Macaroni9538,

perfect, so it sorta just depends on the specs like ram and such? are their any other things like cpus that I should be looking for?

Dariusmiles2123,

I have a Surface Go 1 perfectly running Fedora while running an Ubuntu VM at the same time. The hardware isn’t old, but it ain’t powerful.

I also have a 2012 MacBook Pro running Fedora as a f it was a monster. But the Ram and harddrive have been upgraded.

So I guess it’s perfectly fine.

lemann,

Mid 2012 is my daily 😍 running a different keyboard kernel module though to swap some of the keys, and make the Eject button a Delete key

naught,

I absolutely cannot wait for Asahi linux. M1 hardware with linux 🤤

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