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View Full Version : i386 or i486 ?!?


gizmu
04-07-2003, 09:16 PM
Just a curiosity... I know that knoppix is based upon Debian Woody distribution that use a i386 processor architecture. Why have I seen at Distrowatch.com (Knoppix page) that knoppix use a i486 processor architecture ???
rickenbacherus
04-07-2003, 09:21 PM
Linux distros are based on x86 architecture (among others). Some distros are made in such a way that they are optimized for 386, 486, 686 or K7 etc. This is not to say that a distro that is optimized for 686 will not work on a 486.
gizmu
04-07-2003, 09:34 PM
this means that all Linux Distro for PC support all x86 processor but someone have no particular optimization, other are optimized for a particular processor i.e.: Debian:386, Mandrake: 586, Yoper:686, and so on ? Is right ???

And Knoppix ??? i486 or i386 like Debian ???

Thanks!
rickenbacherus
04-07-2003, 10:24 PM
this means that all Linux Distro for PC support all x86 processor but someone have no particular optimization,
Correct

other are optimized for a particular processor i.e.: Debian:386, Mandrake: 586, Yoper:686, and so on ? Is right ???
Some distros offer optimized versions for 386, 486, etc. Some only offer x86. I have used standard x86 as well as K7 optimized distros and really didn't notice any difference. Certainly those distros serve a purpose and on a problem machine it would be wise to use something specifically designed for its architecture.


And Knoppix ??? i486 or i386 like Debian ???

Since Knoppix is a combination of packages from stable, testing, unstable that were selected because of their compatibility with each other, Knoppix bootable cd requirements, etc. I don't think it is optimized for any particular platform. In fact it is an attempt at being compatible with as many pc's as possible.
Viro
04-07-2003, 11:33 PM
Linux distros are based on x86 architecture (among others). Some distros are made in such a way that they are optimized for 386, 486, 686 or K7 etc. This is not to say that a distro that is optimized for 686 will not work on a 486.

Not necessary. IIRC, the pentiums added some new instructions which aren't available on a 486. Can't remember exactly what it is. I took that class on Computer Architecture too long ago.
gizmu
04-08-2003, 10:17 AM
ok, thanks !
Yakumo
04-09-2003, 06:04 AM
'some' rofl,
try tons not to mention MMX, SSE, SSE2 ...
Viro
04-09-2003, 11:01 AM
Hey, some is subjective :wink: