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Linux 7.2 finally cuts off ancient x86 fallback code (unknownuniverse.uk)

submitted 3 weeks ago by cm0002@literature.cafe to c/linux@programming.dev

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Linux 7.2 has landed, dragging x86 timing clean out of the nineties by making the Time Stamp Counter mandatory.

I wrote up a quick article on why ditching those ancient legacy fallbacks is good housekeeping, plus a few other bits like cache-aware scheduling and memory tweaks worth noting.

Is anyone still using legacy hardware? If so, what do you use it for?

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[-] Uncut_Lemon@lemmy.world 6 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

There's probably a fortunate 500 company running some load bearing server from 20 years ago, that ends up back in production, everytime they fail to migrate the critical service away from it.

There must have been demand to keep x86 32bit alive this long.

[-] frongt@lemmy.zip 4 points 3 weeks ago

I guarantee they aren't updating that server.

[-] Uncut_Lemon@lemmy.world 2 points 3 weeks ago

It probably runs payroll and no one is willing to miss a paycheck due to a botched updated

[-] boonhet@lemmy.zip 1 points 3 weeks ago

If it's from 20 years ago then isn't that like 15 years too new to be affected by this patch?

[-] YouTalkinToMe@lemmy.world 1 points 3 weeks ago

That would be running Windows NT4 or Netware 3.1, then.

this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2026

126 points (98.5% liked)

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