Silent 80386 web server running Linux

As you know, the first processor that supports the Linux kernel is 80386, since Linus, the creator of this software product, began its development on this machine. On Habré already discussed the installation of a linux distribution on a similar exhibit of computer technology, so I went further, realizing the idea of ​​raising a web server running Linux on the 386th processor. Only one thing was frustrating - the noise, because for constant use at home, this factor was negative. The solution was not long in coming ...

As a basis, a classic motherboard was found under the 386th processor, 8 megabytes of 30-pin SIMM-memory, an IDE controller and a 3com network card compatible with the 3c509 module. Next, you need to get rid of the elements that emit sound waves.

1. The power supply.

The best option is a DC-DC type power supply. Most of these PSUs are completely silent, because they do not have any moving components that generate sound - no fans. The discrepancy occurs only in the connector: on the motherboard - AT, but all modern power supplies are equipped with an ATX connector. The way out of this situation is the manufacture of the ATX—> AT adapter. According to this table , I made a similar adapter: The



two connector standards are quite similar to each other, except for the fact that the ATX has an additional 3.3V and a bit more GND. A similar symbiosis of two different connectors worked “with a bang” - the motherboard was successfully wound up from the ATX DC-DC power supply!

2. Hard drive

The second unpleasant, eternally sounding source was identified as a disk storage device, a component of which, continuously rotating, emits a buzz. The CF—> IDE adapter and the old Compact Flash card from the 128 MB camera came to the rescue, as the old BIOS of the experimental motherboard firmly refused to accept the old BIOS. A similar device that significantly reduces the audio intensity of the ether looks like this:

Computing sector.

The distribution lot fell on the sagging Slackware, which captivated the minds of penguin lovers in the 95s. The image of the system had to be cleaned noticeably from unnecessary packages, so that it fit into the tight borders of a flash card. Unfortunately for the author of this text, most modern HTTP servers were predictably difficult enough to run on the outdated 2.2 kernel, and there is very little RAM. Only thttpd deigned to work in such an outdated environment - small, but distant: 70 Kb on disk and ~ 400 Kb of memory in a loaded state. I managed to build the Lua script interpreter as well - not surprisingly, because it was created for embedded systems. By connecting the two components through the CGI gate, a network island, rare for our days, has formed, living in the quiet XX century.

This creation looks like this: ~




Undoubtedly, the whole system worked like clockwork, and the speed is very similar. (; However, unlike a clock, this mechanism is absolutely silent. A

live example is available here: 386.slogov.ru .

I think that it’s not worth thinking about what will happen with the speed of processing requests by the 80386th processor For those who can’t wait for an answer or for the most impatient ones, I’m attaching: a screenshot of the issue .