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

Originally Posted by gizmu

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

Originally Posted by rickenbacherus

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.