Debian still makes 32-bit distros, but so does Mint Linux.
Personally, while I have not used a 32-bit OS in what seems like "forever" (decades ago). It is good to know they're still out there for people who need them (the few of you that are still out there).
Many developments, that use Debian as a base, have stopped focusing on the 32-bit release. Preferring only to focus on the 64-bit edition.
But if you're a 32-bit user, it's good to know you have options.
Agreed,also possibly good for the environment, so long as said computer works, running GNU/Linux can save that device from landfill (unless you know it can be recycled) plus you don't need a 64bit computer to run some services, I am guessing using device as a router, or switch for example.
With the right OS / tools these small computers can still have a life and be really useful
Even more so if you don't need a cumbersome graphical interface.
@zleap @Linux_Is_Best
Yep!
I used to have a copy of Lubuntu on that computer, but it was rather unupdatable last time I checked...
hmm not sure what to suggest there was as the spec
@zleap @Linux_Is_Best
Just mostly Lubuntu is no longer 32 bit, and switched from LXDE to LXQt since it was installed. If I figure out where it is, I'll try straight Debian on it...
At least Deb 12, should include all the non free stuff to make hardware like networking work properly. I still have issues with my netbooks and debian 11 and 12, get as far as choosing the mirror, chose the mirror then get an error, I can ignore that, finish the install and found it hasn't added anything to the /etc/apt/sources.list so it is stuck trying to find my install media.
This just happens with some old HP netbooks, so I am still on Debian 10
@zleap @Linux_Is_Best
Right. I haven't been using it, but I've got a little eeePC 701 in a closet somewhere. That's 32 bits, and it'd be fun to resurrect it as a little handheld using Linux sometime...