Other Help Topics :: i386

Hi everyone, I just have a couple of (stupid?) questions.

1) some distros use i586 or i686 kernels, however, most use i386. What is the difference? advantages/disadvantages?

2) If i686/i586 is indeed better suited for pentium3/4 processors, why is i386 used by majority of linux systems?

Not everyone uses Pentium 3/4 processors.

Compiling i386 insures the maximum possible compatibility.

This is especially important when you get into the area of specialized "ix86" style cpus that are used in low-end internet appliances and embedded devices.

original here.