What Can I Actually Do with Just 8MB of RAM?

Honestly, with just 8MB of RAM, you're pretty limited. Even Linux doesn't do well with that little memory. Some folks managed to squeeze Debian on a 486 with 8MB, but it was a struggle with constant swapping and install issues. You might get basic functions like SSH and text editing to work, but a desktop environment? Forget it. Upgrading to 16MB could really change the game for you! Also, swapping out an old HDD for a CF card SSD could help speed things up a bit if you're keen on trying to salvage the machine.

You can definitely run classic DOS and some of its games! If you’re feeling nostalgic, playing Red Alert in DOS could be a fun trip down memory lane. But mostly, it's about using the machine for its intended purpose back in the day—simple tasks and old-school gaming.

You might be able to run a very stripped-down version of Linux or even other lightweight distributions like TinyCore or BasicLinux, but functionality will be super limited. The software landscape has changed so much, finding old programs might be a challenge without some serious digging through archives or reaching out to collectors.

If you put in some effort, you could get an old Linux kernel that fits, but there won't be much left to run. That said, if you have the source for old software from the 80s, you might be able to compile it down to work on these old machines. It's a project for sure, but could be fun for the right enthusiast!

Back in the 80s, 8MB was good enough to run DOS or early versions of Windows like 3.1 or 95, along with light software. If you're looking to recapture that feel, FreeDOS is still a solid choice for retro computing. You might even be able to find some vintage apps online if you dig deep enough!