What is the difference?

pearsonx4 · 10-05-2003, 08:11 PM

Hello,
I am new to Linux and I am curious about something. I have Redhat Linux and I have it installed and running with no problems. But i have noticed that when I go to download programs for it some state i386. Now from what I can tell mine is i686. I am not sure what all this means and I was wondering what this is and can I use i386.
I appreciate any information you could give me.
Thank you very much
John

HappyTux · 10-05-2003, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pearsonx4
Hello,
I am new to Linux and I am curious about something. I have Redhat Linux and I have it installed and running with no problems. But i have noticed that when I go to download programs for it some state i386. Now from what I can tell mine is i686. I am not sure what all this means and I was wondering what this is and can I use i386.
I appreciate any information you could give me.
Thank you very much
John

Yes you can use them i386 means it's for a 386 and above computer usually the programs are compiled that way so the maximum number of machines can use the program and you do not have to have multiple versions for a 386,486,586, etc ...

rahulsundaram · 10-05-2003, 10:00 PM

hi

the basic architecture of intel and compatible processors like amd have not changed after the intel 386 chip.so people just write code for the i386 and it works everywhere. for code that is big there is probably 486,586 and 686 versions. if you have a choice go for 686 else just install the 386 version. it will work just fine.

regards
rahul sundaram

pearsonx4 · 10-05-2003, 10:15 PM

Thank you very much
John

rahulsundaram · 10-05-2003, 10:34 PM

hi

you can find more information about rpms in redhat.com/docs and rpm.org. you might also be interested in apt.freshrpms.net

general linux info is at tldp.org

post back if you got more doubts

regards
rahul sundaram