what does the i386, i586 at the end of a file mean?? trying to filgure that out because there is a file i want but both of those are available, -thanks

the i386 is a program compiled for a 386 processor. it will work on any computer that has a 386 or better... and chances are, your computer does. 586 means the program was compiled for a pentium processor. that means it will work on any pentium processor, but it probably won't work on 386 or 486 computers. either file will most likely work... 99% of the computers you'll run across today will be pentium or better.

the compilation for a processor has more to do with optimization than anything else. the difference between the two is pretty small, but it's usually best to go with the one closest to the architecture you have.

the type of machine the software is built for

faster machines like P3 or P4 will run the i386 software, but a 486 machine may not run the code compiled for a P3


If you have a P3 or P4 you can use any of them, the 686 code should be faster

ok, thanks