Here’s the translation into American English:
The end of support for the i386 kernel (32-bit) in distributions like Kali Linux 2024.4 and other major Linux distributions has reignited the debate over the relevance and necessity of keeping support for this architecture alive. Although modern processors have almost completely migrated to 64 bits (x86_64), the discontinuation of 32-bit support raises concerns for both users and developers who rely on older systems and specific applications.
The History Behind i386
The i386 architecture was introduced with the Intel 80386 processors in the late 1980s, marking a milestone in computing as the first widely adopted 32-bit architecture. Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, the i386 standard (also known as x86) became the backbone of personal computing, used by generations of Intel Pentium, AMD K6, and Athlon processors.
However, with the arrival of x86_64 processors in 2003, the industry began a gradual transition towards 64 bits, offering greater memory capacity, performance, and support for modern applications.
Why is 32-bit Support Being Discontinued?
Support for the i386 kernel and 32-bit images has been maintained for years, despite the dominance of 64-bit processors in the market. Reasons for discontinuing i386 support include:
- Maintenance Costs: Keeping an outdated architecture requires additional resources for development, testing, and support.
- Declining Demand: Fewer users rely on 32-bit systems and applications.
- Hardware Obsolescence: Most current equipment no longer uses 32-bit based hardware.
- System Optimization: Modern versions of Linux and associated software are optimized for x86_64 architectures, allowing for better performance and resource usage.
The Importance of Keeping i386 Alive
Despite the advantages of 64 bits, a significant user base and scenarios exist where maintaining support for i386 is crucial:
- Legacy Hardware: Many older machines, such as home servers, industrial equipment, and personal computers used in educational or work environments, still rely on 32-bit systems. For many users, these machines remain functional, and replacing them is not financially viable.
- Legacy Software: Numerous critical applications and older video games were designed exclusively for 32-bit systems. The discontinuation of i386 support jeopardizes the ability to run these programs, limiting access to historical and specialized software.
- Industrial Environments and Embedded Systems: Many embedded devices and industrial systems still operate on i386 architectures due to their low hardware requirements and energy efficiency.
- Compatibility in Gaming: Many video games from the 90s and 2000s only run on 32 bits, and there is still an active community working to keep them functional.
Is This Really the End of i386?
Although distributions like Fedora, Ubuntu, and now Kali Linux have dropped support for the i386 kernel and its images, this does not mean an immediate disappearance of 32 bits:
- 32-bit Packages: In Debian-based distributions like Kali, i386 packages are still available, allowing 32-bit applications to run on x86_64 systems.
- Containers and Virtual Machines: Technologies like Docker and QEMU allow for the creation of virtual environments that support older 32-bit applications.
- Hybrid Systems: Installing i386 packages on amd64 systems enables compatibility while maintaining performance.
Balancing Modernization and Legacy
Discontinuing support for older architectures like i386 is a logical decision from the perspective of modernization and resource efficiency. However, it is also important to consider the needs of users who depend on legacy hardware and software. Keeping the legacy of 32 bits alive ensures access to functional systems and a technological heritage that remains relevant for many sectors.
Ultimately, the Linux community has proven to be resilient and adaptable. While major distributions advance towards a 64-bit future, there are alternatives and tools available for those who still need i386 support, thus allowing for a balance between innovation and respect for the past.