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Why there is no version listed as x86 at ubuntu download page ?

Also there are three subcategories a)alternate b)desktop c)server

Whats this 'alternate" version all about ?

Thanks.

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Are you trying to understand which image you need? If you want to know the differences between the amd64 and x86 or if you want to know what the alternate version is, the question was already asked before as you can see in my answer – Lekensteyn Oct 16 '11 at 12:34

3 Answers

up vote 2 down vote accepted

x86, i386, i686 are architectures which refer to 32-bit machines. x64, ia64 and amd64 refer to 64-bit machines. See. also My processor is 64-bit - does that mean I need the amd64 image?

For the difference between the alternate, desktop and server versions, see What are the differences between Desktop, Server, and Alternate Installs?

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up vote 1 down vote

One question at a time. Is that not the rule? Here is the answer to the first question in your title. A simple search found this link:

Explanation of how the label AMD64 originated

Notice these quotes:

The original specification was created by AMD

After launching the architecture under the "x86-64" name, AMD renamed it AMD64 in 2003

So, the answer is:"Not much difference."

As for part of of your second question, see this link

Ubuntu explanation of why there is an alterative CD

Note the heading Alternative Installer Details.

As for the difference between a desktop computer and a computer that is doing work as a server, I suggest that you ask that as a separate question. Different Ubuntu editions for different computer use.

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I guess that the OP is confused by the available images, so although the actual answer is different for both, the original question did not expect that. – Lekensteyn Oct 16 '11 at 12:32
up vote -4 down vote

If you're looking for an x86 version, you may want the 32-bit version (same thing). An alternate version is an ubuntu version designed for low-end and old machines, with less RAM and less powerful. Hope this helps.

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I use the alternate version for installing Kubuntu on my laptop with 8GB RAM and a i5-460 processor because it allows for large customization, not because my machine is low-end or old. – Lekensteyn Oct 16 '11 at 12:36

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