question of HP Support for Compaq Computers

[NA_Miller451]

No issue here, the hardware is decades old, but i had a technical question how long does HP support go back into the recess of decades since their merger with Compaq, in support of Hardware..

This computer,  A DESKPRO 500 MHz computer, with 512 MB memory,  was repurposed to a Linux Box (one of my specialties to take computers from 500 MHz and up and repurposed for Linux systems -- usually to teach it)  and i was wondering if there is ANY support for these old PRE merger computers. 

Yes, it is THOSE computers, the ones that required, back in the day, the proprietary BRANDED Compaq cards only and you could not just put a third party card from like Fry's Electronics or Best Buy and hope like it hell it worked...

-- Ah the good old days...  --

I was looking to getting at least drivers on these old computers for the hardware on-board sound, video and even an update on bios.

As it sits the computer works like a champ... being over at least 15 years old... and Linux does not care what Hardware you put it on, as it properly utilizes the resources of Hardware, memory and so forth with what is available...  So it is a challenge to do so...  

Appreciates any information on support of hardware however....

FA/MM N.A Miller, USN Ret.

(Formerly a 26 year veteran of I.T Arena)

Protected Veteran/Gentleman Writer

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

HP retires support for PC's that are more than 10 years old.

I have found that this site is useful in providing drivers for PC's that HP no longer supports.

https://www.helpjet.net/search.html?q=HP+Deskpro

LCDR Paul J. Tikkanen, USCG Ret.

[NA_Miller451]

cool thanks for the info... at least there is a bios and driver update (having looked) for the hardware if needed.

-- Hopefully it will not be needed but just in case.

As time marches on, this Compaq Desk-pro gets older.)  That also goes with older Dell, HP , Packard Bell, MFG equipment too i find in Surplus...

I am out to prove a point that older machines that are not even savvy for windows --  STILL can be USEFUL in the UNIX/.LINUX arena...of ANY MFG...  as small servers for Apache, e-mail, compiling, Mud/Muck/Mush/MOO Gaming or other small server boxes used in UNIX/Linux  And they work great.  They do not need to end up in landfills... Schools could REALLY use them for typing classes and school labs...  nothing elaborate, but at least they could or are useful... 

Is actually impressed by this old Compaq Desk-pro, it HAS actually met expectations and delivered the goods with excellent performance despite its age and technology. ...  Not bad for something over 15 years old...!!   Scary thought its a P3 Intel Chipset too... as is my old DELL (first built computer) which is going on operation for 22 years as a Linux... but formerly is 95b/98/ XP era computer.  Old is not bad sometimes its the right medicine and tool for the right job...

Respectfully,

FA/MM N.A Miller, USN Ret.

(Formerly a Veteran of 26 years in I.T Field) 

Protected Veteran/Gentleman Writer

"From one Surgeon to another... the more they overthink

the plumbing,  the better it is to stuff up the drain..."

(USN MM Engineer's creed)

Captain Montgomery  "Scotty" Scott (James Doohan)

Star Trek 3: The Search for Spock Movie (1983)

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I'm not familiar with any other OS' but Windows, however I agree that older desktops/notebook PC's can be repurposed.

It is disappointing that HP quits supporting these legacy PC's after a certain time period, but it is what it is.