Linux kernel is leaving 486 CPUs behind, only 18 years after the last one made

Since 2012, Torvalds has advocated for ending support for i386 processors in Linux, suggesting that efforts to remove i486 support should begin around 2022 as the 6.15 kernel is likely to be released later this month. This move will deprive users of 486 systems of critical software support. Alternatives like MenuetOS, KolibriOS, Visopsys (which require a Pentium), FreeDOS, ArcaOS, and modified Windows XP exist but are limited by hardware requirements. Those dedicated to running such systems in 2025 will likely have to source older software independently due to resource scarcity.