Do you think it will be possible to run GNU/Linux operating systems on Microsoft’s brand new “Copilot+ PCs”? The latter ones were unveiled just yesterday, and honestly, the sales pitch is quite impressive! A Verge article on them: Link

  • simple@lemm.ee
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    9 months ago

    Yes, Linux actually does already run on ARM chips, and Qualcomm themselves pledged support for Linux for the new chips within the next 6 months.

    There is one big issue though: most applications won’t be available since they have to work specifically for ARM. This is a big deal because I don’t think Linux has a proper x86 --> ARM translation layer. That means most of your apps and games won’t work.

    I’d wait at least a couple of months to see how the ecosystem is before buying one. It’s likely going to be a very bumpy ride for the next ~2 years until everything you’d need is supported.

    • ebits21@lemmy.ca
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      9 months ago

      Most applications are/can be compiled for arm. You just need the right repo or to compile from source.

      Raspberry pi’s are very popular and are arm based already.

      You don’t need a translation layer unless the software is proprietary and the vendor isn’t willing to compile for arm.