Kernel Images

MWAAAHAAA ulist at gs1.ubuntuforums.org
Mon May 30 18:56:20 UTC 2005


The i386 kernel runs on anything from a 80386 to present day Intel
compatible processors. Since it has to support each type of processor
it cannot take advantage of the features that modern day processors
have to offer, because it wouldn't run on older processors that don't
support those features. On the other hand, if you want to make sure the
kernel will run with your Intel or AMD processor, the i386 images are
the best way to go, that's also why they are standard.



On the other hand, if you want a faster kernel that makes use of the
nifty new features of newer CPUs you should take one that is optimzed
for your particular system. If you're running a pentium 4, you would
for example want to try the i686 images. So unless you are running on
an incredibly old processor, you could try that kernel image that has
been compiled with features compatible with your processor. For that
check the package description. E.g. on the 686 kernel it sais it  is
supposed to run on "PPro/Celeron/PII/PIII/PIV". Since you have a
pentium 4 you might want to try this package.



Of course you could always compile your own kernel, instead of using
images, but that's up to you.



Hope this helps a bit.


-- 
MWAAAHAAA




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