Author booted Debian Linux on a real 4-bit intel 4004 microprocessor from 1971. The first microprocessor globally, it’s slow but fully running Linux. Describes the intricacies of the 4004’s one-operand instruction set, bizarre control flow mechanisms, and unique features like the absence of logical operators and memory access limitations. Detailed hardware construction, debugging, memory translation, clocking, and the surprise of using DRAM for storage. Emphasizes the challenge of the project and the goal of pushing the limits of low-end machines running Linux. Mentions past records and subsequent advancements in similar projects, and the motivation to explore historical microprocessor technology in a unique way.
https://dmitry.gr/?r=05.Projects&proj=35.%20Linux4004