https://github.com/ghaerr/elks
Embeddable Linux Kernel Subset - Linux for 8086
https://github.com/ghaerr/elks
80186 8086 8086-architecture 8088 elks embeddable embedded embedded-linux ia-16 kernel linux x86-16
Last synced: 29 days ago
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Embeddable Linux Kernel Subset - Linux for 8086
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/ghaerr/elks
- Owner: ghaerr
- License: other
- Created: 2013-11-15T01:12:54.000Z (over 11 years ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2025-04-13T02:15:34.000Z (about 1 month ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-04-14T22:07:14.823Z (29 days ago)
- Topics: 80186, 8086, 8086-architecture, 8088, elks, embeddable, embedded, embedded-linux, ia-16, kernel, linux, x86-16
- Language: C
- Homepage:
- Size: 35.7 MB
- Stars: 1,327
- Watchers: 38
- Forks: 119
- Open Issues: 13
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# What is ELKS?
ELKS is a project providing an early fork of the Linux OS for systems based on the Intel
IA16 architecture (16-bit processors: 8086, 8088, 80188, 80186, 80286, NEC V20, V30
and compatibles). Such systems can be ancient computers (IBM-PC XT / AT and clones)
as well as more recent SBCs, SoCs, FPGAs, as well as modern 80386+ x86 desktops.
ELKS supports networking, graphics, ia16-elf-gcc, OpenWatcom C and its own native
C compiler, and installation to HDD using both MINIX and MSDOS FAT filesystems.
## Memory requirements
* Stock images require 512k RAM
* ELKS requires 256k RAM to run, 512k to be really useful
* No hardware MMU required
* ROM-based systems can run in 128k RAM
## Try ELKS online
You can [play with ELKS online](https://copy.sh/v86/?profile=elks) thanks to the v86 emulator. Login with "root" and no password. Go to the bin folder and try the different commands available. Try nxtetris. Start the game by pressing "n".
## Watch ELKS in action
- [ELKS, a 16-bit no-MMU Linux on Amstrad PC 2086](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eooviN1SdQ8) (thanks @pawoswm-arm)
- [Booting ELKS on an old 286 MB from 1,44MB floppy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rwlqmdebxk) (thanks @xrayer)
- [Epson PC Portable Q150A / Equity LT (Nec V30 8086 - 1989)](https://youtu.be/ZDffBj6zY-w?t=687) (thanks Alejandro)
- [ELKS on ESP32 through IBM PC emulator](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr2yMjrgP8o) (thanks @fdivitto)
## Screenshots
ELKS running on QEMU
Nano-X running on ELKS
Olivetti M24 8086 CPU
ELKS Networking showing netstat and process list
Running ELKS Basic on PC-9801UV21 (NEC V30 CPU)
Running Matrix and vi on multiple consoles
Of course Doom
Telnet to an old BBS
## Downloads
A full set of disk images are available for download, for you to try out ELKS: [Downloads](https://github.com/ghaerr/elks/releases).
## How to build
Full build instructions are [here](https://github.com/ghaerr/elks/blob/master/BUILD.md).
## Wiki
Help on how to use ELKS, as well as technical tutorials, are available on our [Wiki](https://github.com/ghaerr/elks/wiki).
## Documentation
More information is in the Documentation folder: [Index of ELKS Documentation](https://htmlpreview.github.io/?https://github.com/ghaerr/elks/blob/master/Documentation/index.html).
## Resources
Other projects and resources interesting to ELKS and our programming community:
- [8086 toolchain](https://github.com/ghaerr/8086-toolchain) A full C toolchain running
on the host desktop and ELKS itself, featuring C compiler, the as86 assembler,
ld86 linker, make and a complete C library..
- [blink16](https://github.com/ghaerr/blink16) A visual 8086 emulator and debugger capable of booting the ELKS kernel for symbolic debugging, as well as an emulator for ELKS executables.
- [Size Optimization Tricks](https://justine.lol/sizetricks/) A great article from Justine Tunney's blog showing how big things can be done without bloat.
- [gcc-ia16](https://github.com/tkchia/gcc-ia16) TK Chia's gcc compiler targeted for 8086, maintained and used for the ELKS kernel and all its applications.
## More information
Questions? Problems? Patches? Open an issue on the ELKS GitHub project!