I booted Debian Linux on a 4-bit intel microprocessor from 1971 - the first microprocessor in the world - the 4004. It is not fast, but it is a real Linux kernel with a Debian rootfs on a real board whose only CPU is a real intel 4004 from the 1970s. The video is sped up at variable rates to demonstrate this without boring you. The clock and calendar in the video are accurate. A constant-rate video is linked below.
I’m sure someone could figure out how to boot Linux on a vacuum tube computer. The problem is there just aren’t that many around that are still operational.
This made me look up if you could somehow run it on vacuum tubes, sadly not
But https://www.linux-magazine.com/Online/News/Hacker-Successfully-Runs-Linux-on-a-CPU-from-the-Early-70s
9 day boot time on a 4004!
OMG!
https://dmitry.gr/?r=05.Projects&proj=35.+Linux4004
omg that was a hilarious read. painful, but insightful.
I’m sure someone could figure out how to boot Linux on a vacuum tube computer. The problem is there just aren’t that many around that are still operational.
He eventually got it down to under 5 days!
Of course you can run it on tubes, in principal, since they do the same as transistors at the end of the day
I guess I more wondered if some madlad had actually done it
Someone has done this with relays so I don’t blame you for asking.