SHORK 486 #Linux can now be built with multi-user/password-protected support! About time I added this... I feel like we're getting close to a first release for wider testing/beta. I think the main thing missing now is a proper settings program... Soon! github.com/SharktasticA...

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On a scale of Smash to Pass, the classic USS Enterprise is most definitely a Smash.

POWER SHORK it is!

Been a hot minute! 🦈 SHORK 486 #Linux is now testing 7.1-rc kernels with 486 support re-added! SHORK 486 now also includes MicroPython, Lynx browser, sc-im spreadsheet editor with XLSX import/export, and mt-st for SCSI tape drives! c3270 and TN5250 for terminal emulation should be next up! 👀

If I was to port SHORK 486 #Linux to #PowerPC, should it be called "SHORK POWER" or "POWER SHORK"? 🤔 The former would fit with the overall SHORK naming scheme, but the latter does sound better for this particular case. Do I just make an exception for "POWER SHORK" here?

Oooo interesting data on the computer. youtu.be/IBjh0SaA5dc

Been a hot minute! 🦈 SHORK 486 #Linux is now testing 7.1-rc kernels with 486 support re-added! SHORK 486 now also includes MicroPython, Lynx browser, sc-im spreadsheet editor with XLSX import/export, and mt-st for SCSI tape drives! c3270 and TN5250 for terminal emulation should be next up! 👀

Both of my restored Model M's

I also just got tmux running on SHORK 486 Linux as I was about to head to bed! It should be committed tomorrow, pending some tidying up and optimisation! I've been trying to get this working properly for a hot minute, and thus am very chuffed that it is working now! 😁

SHORK 486 Linux now includes htop! 🦈

And here is SHORK 486 Linux with kernel 7.0.0 on real hardware!

It is done, SHORK 486 Linux is now available with kernel 7.0.0! github.com/SharktasticA...

It is done, SHORK 486 Linux is now available with kernel 7.0.0! github.com/SharktasticA...

I'm testing SHORK 486 Linux with kernel 7.0rc7! It kinda *just worked*, and naturally, I immediately threw it into the fire with 16MHz 486SX and just 7MB RAM... I'm amused at the prospect of this distro for a 1989 CPU having a newer kernel than most of the people reading this! 😆

SHORK 486 Linux now inclues shorksay, my shark-themed homage to cowsay! You can also compile it for modern Linux too: github.com/SharktasticA...

SHORK 486 Linux now inclues shorksay, my shark-themed homage to cowsay! You can also compile it for modern Linux too: github.com/SharktasticA...

cowsay you say? How about shorksay? Coming soon to SHORK 486!

SHORK 486 Linux now has a spin on sl (steam locomotive) - shorklocomotive! Can also compile it yourself for modern Linux. Perhaps basic right now, I have more plans for it: custom colours, different shark species, and some sort of shark train for proper homage to the OG! github.com/SharktasticA...

W700 + newly improved shorkfetch with cute SHORK ASCII art and colour accent support! github.com/SharktasticA...

SHORK 486's Build Configurator is now live! github.com/SharktasticA...

Made @sharktastica.co.uk 's SHORK a lil guy :) (but as an early teen because hims just a baby) #oc

I made a dialog-based configurator for SHORK 486 Linux that makes it easier to tailor it to your needs. Don't need to look up and remember build script parameters and arguments! I just need to thoroughly test it and modify the README before I push it live. Probably tomorrow.

Happy 22nd birthday to the IBM PS/2 Travel Keyboard (SK-8840)! sharktastica.co.uk/wiki/8835-88...

Just realised it's now 5 years since I released this! When I was asked to test the then-unreleased keyboard and provide my honest opinion before launch. One of the first 'big breaks'. Honoured to be asked and the first to publish content on this fantastic Model M! sharktastica.co.uk/articles/min...

More SHORK 486 #Linux on an IBM #ThinkPad 365ED! github.com/SharktasticA...

shorkdir on 365ED!

shorkdir on 365ED!

SHORK 486 Linux has gained a new custom utility called shorkdir, a TUI file browser! I originally planned to use Rover for this purpose but didn't work out, so decided to DIY! You can build it for modern Linux if you wish. Note: I know it can flicker and I'm working on it! github.com/SharktasticA...

IBM 3275/3277 Type A Keyboard, Micro Switch SW hall-effect based! A candidate for what may also be IBM Keyboard A/Model A. Type A (1971) was quickly supplanted by the very similar looking Model B-based (beam spring) Type B (~1973). Below is how to tell them apart. sharktastica.co.uk/topics/keybo...

2002 Unicomp Model M4 Mighty Mouse without the mouse! This was their continuation of a lineage that began with 1991's IBM PS/2 L40 SX and its Model M3 buckling sleeve keyboard, that got adapted by Lexmark into a desktop keyboard (M4) later that year. sharktastica.co.uk/wiki/model-m4

The finished IBM Model M! It's clean, all the keys work, and hopefully it'll last another 32 years!

shorkfetch (the Linux *fetch utility for SHORK 486) has been spun off into its own repo! It was originally a bash script, but due to abysmal performance on 486 hardware, I rewrote it in C! If you want a minimal *fetch utility, give it a shot! github.com/SharktasticA...

Roses are red, Sandbar sharks are brown, Sandbar sharks mostly eat benthic invertebrates and fish, Sandbar sharks have a large dorsal fin, Wait what were we talking about again?

[1/2] 1995 ThinkPad running a 2025 Linux kernel! Testing SHORK 486 on real hardware is progressing. Now I get to use this fantastic IBM Model M6-1 buckling sleeve keyboard with a modern OS without orphaning the laptop! This has been a dream for 7 years and I'm buzzing that it's within my grasp!

SHORK 486 and a 2025 Linux kernel release running on 8MB RAM, a sight to behold! I'm not gonna lie, there is not much free memory to work with lol. But hey, this is a cool proof of concept. Can it go any lower... 🤔

SHORK Mini has been renamed SHORK 486! This smol Linux is coming along nicely and friends have been testing it on lots of devices (especially ThinkPads), even if its not 486-based! The rename is due to plans for a SHORK 386 and 686 after this - I want to do more! github.com/SharktasticA...

The SPARCbook got a new track nub! Thanks for the info on what I needed to buy @sharktastica.co.uk

Happy 40th birthday to the #IBM 5140 PC Convertible design patent, the work of the wonderful Richard Sapper! sharktastica.co.uk/topics/keybo...

Gene Roddenberry designed Star Trek to depict a future in which racial and gender equality were the norm. Not only did he give his ship had a diverse crew, but he fought for the alien character, Spock, as a constant reminder of the variety of life and of the diversity of thought.

I've got a high temperature, my nose and throat are fucked, I'm a wee bit drowsy, and actually in bed before 23:00 for a change... This #BLAHAJ is being held and squished tightly, providing ample warmth and comfort on this awful night. Gn, y'all.

SHORK Mini #Linux is continuing to take shape, now bearing a Git client! The previous 2 days were spent endlessly compiling curl & Git because HTTPS remote support didn't want to build... I now want to get Lynx compiled, then it will be time to do extensive testing on real #486SX hardware!

I've been trying to find at least 1 photo of each original #IBM Electric #Typewriter model (01-10) for revamping my IBM typewriter & keyboard models page with, but the best I've managed after a week is 6/10. May have leads for 06, but others still at large. I fear they may be lost to history. 🫩😔

Happy new year, everyone!

RIP. Computer Chronicles (which he produced and hosted) has been invaluable for both my research and general interest. I'm very grateful they archived them on their YouTube channel. One of my favourites: www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_AB...

The #blahaj went for a nice wash today! They enjoyed endless spinning, but it's now time to tuck them into bed.

Merry merry merry science, y'all. youtu.be/J0NXY89WsxY

What isn't cursed is the keyboard! Tadpole ANA-based laptops used a Lexmark or Key Tronic-made Model M6-1 buckling sleeve keyboard derived from IBM ThinkPad 700/720's Model M6! The design is also used by the Tadpole-made IBM RS/6000 Notebook N40.

Mood.

Some thoughts on Mozilla's trajectory and Waterfox's stance on AI in the browser 👇 www.waterfox.com/blog/no-ai-h...