which version to install based on uname output

[csross]

When I want to download software on a RH linux box, there are often many versions to choose from. Each is distinguished by i386, i586 or i686.


[root] uname -a
Linux server.company.com 2.4.20-6 #1 Thu Feb 27 10:01:19 EST 2003 i686 athlon i386 GNU/Linux

Which installation should I choose based on the information from the uname -a.

Thanks

 

[stefanwagner]

i686

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[chipperMDW]

They should all work. An ix86 processor is backward compatible with all iy86 binaries where y < x and y >= 3.

However, getting the highest number your processor can support (i686 in your case) enables you to take advantage of improvements made in your particular processor.

So go for i686 binaries when available, but don't worry if all you can find is an i386.


Note that the compatibility is one-way. If you have an older computer with an i386 processor, it won't be able to handle i686 binaries.