Submitted via IRC for TheMightyBuzzard
[Yeo Kheng Meng] had a question: what is the oldest x86 processor that is still supported by a modern Linux kernel? Furthermore, is it actually possible to use modern software with this processor? It's a question that surely involves experimentation, staring into the bluescreen abyss of BIOS configurations, and compiling your own kernel. Considering Linux dropped support for the 386 in 2012, the obvious answer is a 486. This supposition was tested, and the results are fantastic. You can, indeed, install a modern Linux on an ancient desktop.
Source: https://hackaday.com/2018/01/07/go-retro-to-build-a-spectre-and-meltdown-proof-x86-desktop/
(Score: 2) by takyon on Wednesday January 10 2018, @05:26AM (4 children)
This? Security Flaw in AMD's Secure Chip-On-Chip Processor Disclosed Online [soylentnews.org]
Is this talk of AMD allowing people to disable the PSP enough to get you on the AMD train, or do they need to take it out altogether before you will trust them?
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]
(Score: 3, Insightful) by The Mighty Buzzard on Wednesday January 10 2018, @12:05PM (3 children)
When I can disable the PSP/IME entirely with a bios setting or jumper on my motherboard of choice then prove such works by testing current exploits against the box I'll call it good enough. We're not quite there yet though.
My rights don't end where your fear begins.
(Score: 2) by Runaway1956 on Wednesday January 10 2018, @02:45PM (2 children)
This ^ exactly.
Has there been a hardware "security" feature that has worked as intended? THAT would be news, wouldn't it?
(Score: 2) by The Mighty Buzzard on Wednesday January 10 2018, @02:55PM (1 child)
The power cord. Pull it out of the power supply and your computer is utterly secure from anyone without physical access to the device. Mind you, there is some lag time if your computer includes a battery other than the CMOS one.
My rights don't end where your fear begins.
(Score: 2) by takyon on Wednesday January 10 2018, @05:07PM
Neutrineons. What if the govt. could power up and communicate with your device (it's not a computer!) from anywhere on Earth using a stream of particles?
[SIG] 10/28/2017: Soylent Upgrade v14 [soylentnews.org]