JSLinux Now Supports x86_64 (bellard.org)

Article summary

JSLinux, a JavaScript-based Linux emulator, now supports x86_64 architecture, allowing users to run Linux in a web browser. The emulator provides various options, including different Linux distributions and interfaces. It also supports Internet access, albeit with limited bandwidth and connections. This development expands the possibilities for using Linux in web-based environments.

Main themes

• Linux emulation
• Web-based operating systems
• x86_64 architecture support
• Internet access and security
• Practical use cases
• Open-source alternatives

What commenters say

• JSLinux can be useful for testing and running ancient software that only works under specific conditions, or for providing a web-based build environment for teaching programming.
• Some commenters question the practical use of JSLinux, while others see potential in its ability to run Linux in a browser for various purposes, including education and testing.
• Security concerns are raised about running code in a well-protected VM versus using JSLinux, with some arguing that security through obscurity can be cheaper than funding multiple teams for security.
• Others argue that JSLinux's security is not necessarily better than a well-protected VM, and that its usefulness lies in its novelty and potential for creative applications.
• The lack of open-source availability for certain components of JSLinux is criticized, with some commenters suggesting alternative open-source projects that achieve similar functionality.
• JSLinux's potential for creating web-based archives of applications and operating systems is seen as an exciting possibility, but its limitations, such as the inability to edit disk images, are also noted.
• The comparison to other projects, such as linux-wasm, highlights the trade-offs between different approaches to running Linux in web-based environments, including performance and security considerations.
• Some commenters appreciate JSLinux as a novelty or a tool for nostalgic purposes, such as running old versions of Windows or Linux, while others see it as a potential foundation for more innovative applications.