what is the difference between I386 and x86_64?
 

what is the difference between I386 and x86_64? And how can I tell?

I'm no Linux Ninja or anything, but I do beleive that I386 means that the software is built and optimized for 386 class and up machines, x86 means it runs on the x86 architecture (286,386,486 etc) and x86_64 means that it runs on the 86 architecture aswell as the new Athlon 64 bit systems. I hope this helps, and of course, dont quote me on anything.

I am running a Dell Power Edge 1400 SC its a 900MHZ Server. Is it i386 or x86_64?

Run the i386 distro when in doubt ^.^.

But in this case, you should use the i386 distro.

Enjoy!!!

type in a terminal:
arch

The i386 version will run on all x86 based architecture, x86-64 will not run on anything but amd athlon 64 chips. You, having a 900 mhz cpu do not have an x86-64, so get the 386 version.

Its a i686 Thanks

Where were you in a cave when INTEL went through their line of processors.

Go to http://www.sandpile.org to catch up with history.

x86_64 is the 64 bit machine the latest
and the I386 is 32 bit machine
64 bit machine is working double speed (x2)of 32 bit machine

You should look at the date on the previous posts before adding to an old thread. That might change your mind about whether you want to add anything.

That is not correct.

64 bit means double the pipe, but that doesn't mean double the speed.... i686 was built after i386 and is backwards compatable. Your running a P3 I'm guessing so it should be i686, which can run i386 and i686, but you want to run the i686 because it has more optimizations towards your cpu arch.

64 bit means the addressing range ie 2^64, as opposed to 2^32 (i386, 486, 586 (pentium etc), 686).
Both Intel and their competitor AMD have both architectures avail.
We are currently in a transition period as 64 bit takes over from 32 bit.
32 bit SW can run on 32 bit or 64 bit HW. 64 bit SW can only run on 64 bit HW.

64 bit systems tend to be a bit faster for 2 reasons:
1. newer (faster) HW
2. wider bandwidth on I/O bus etc.

Not all apps have 64 bit versions. For home use, you won't notice a significant difference, if any.
For commercial/large org scale users, the extra addressing range is mostly of benefit to large DBs eg Oracle. They will notice a difference (assuming fast disks etc).
Some calculations may(!) benefit as well eg academic (research) environment.

LINUX
 

Tell me i386 meaning plz....

This is as of my knowledge.

No, the 386 comes from Intel's 80386 chips. See this.