What's the difference between amd64 and x64?
Why is there no version listed as x86 on the Ubuntu download page?
And what do the sub-categories mean?
- alternate
- desktop
- server
What's this 'alternate" version all about?
What's the difference between amd64 and x64?
Why is there no version listed as x86 on the Ubuntu download page?
And what do the sub-categories mean?
What's this 'alternate" version all about?
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?
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.