fedora linux: meaning of i386, i486, i686?

afa_linux · 10-16-2005, 10:42 AM

Hi,

I'v e been seeing lots of linux software, whose name ending with "i386/686/x86"? Especially for fedora core 4, it seems belongs to i686, what does that mean? I don't see any connection with intel old processors... Thanks for your time!

ZakuSage · 10-16-2005, 11:14 AM

i386 and i486 are the names of some really old Intel processors. The CPUs of today by Intel and AMD are still compatible with i386 binaries, and are used often in Linux distros. i586 is another name for Pentium and Pentium compatible processors. Anything from Pentium Pro (or compatible) to today by Intel or AMD are i686. x86 is just the term given for the group of them, since they all have 86 in them.