Finding out Architecture

[stench]

Hi everyone, when I need to download RPM's for a redhat Linux machine, and I have the choice of architecture to download (i386, i686, etc), how can I tell which architecture is currently installed?

I think I can tell from the logon prompt on the server console, but sometimes I don't have access to the console.

Does anyone know a command that will tell you this information?

Thanks,

Chris.

 

[lfoata]

try the following :

uname -a

you will see the architecture

 

[originaldwarf]

For more precision

uname -m

 

[ifincham]

Hi,

I think you will find that the 99% of rpms built by redhat themselves for intel machines are only provided for i386 architecture. There are a few rpms (including the kernels) that have been compiled by redhat for i586 (pentium 1) or i686 (pentium pro & pentium 2/3/4). So, depending on what you're looking for, you may only find i386 rpms anyway. RPMs built by others for Redhat way well offer more choice of pre-built architectures, however.

If you want optimum performance it's best to download the kernel source and compile it for your class of processor.
Some other distros, notably Mandrake, do provide all their rpms as compiled for i586, i.e pentium equipped PCs.

Regards