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Operating system for router devices

Operating system for router devices

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MinaMoo
Member
210
01-13-2026, 11:17 AM
#1
I'm searching for an operating system suitable for your older laptop, which you plan to test as a router. The previous broadband experience was disappointing, so I need something reliable. Smoothwall was suggested, but the X84 model doesn't support it due to its age. I might upgrade to a more modern setup for better performance and would appreciate a 64-bit version.
M
MinaMoo
01-13-2026, 11:17 AM #1

I'm searching for an operating system suitable for your older laptop, which you plan to test as a router. The previous broadband experience was disappointing, so I need something reliable. Smoothwall was suggested, but the X84 model doesn't support it due to its age. I might upgrade to a more modern setup for better performance and would appreciate a 64-bit version.

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Texas1047
Posting Freak
889
01-13-2026, 07:50 PM
#2
You can definitely run Windows or Linux and set up an ad-hoc network. It might be challenging using a laptop as a router because you only have one LAN port and the WiFi connection. Possibly USB-to-Ethernet adapters could help, though finding good ones may be expensive compared to buying a proper router.
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Texas1047
01-13-2026, 07:50 PM #2

You can definitely run Windows or Linux and set up an ad-hoc network. It might be challenging using a laptop as a router because you only have one LAN port and the WiFi connection. Possibly USB-to-Ethernet adapters could help, though finding good ones may be expensive compared to buying a proper router.

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PichuPixels
Member
53
01-13-2026, 11:49 PM
#3
The top model from 2004 likely faced issues with Windows XP.
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PichuPixels
01-13-2026, 11:49 PM #3

The top model from 2004 likely faced issues with Windows XP.