x86(i386) version won't be available starting Kali Linux 2024.4 - Confirms Kali developers!

x86(i386) version won't be available starting Kali Linux 2024.4 - Confirms Kali developers!

One of the popular Linux distribution, Kali Linux that still supported i386 confirmed that it willn't roll out for Kali Linux 2024.4, in other words you cannot expect ISO of Kali Linux 2024.4 for i386 versions. If you are new to computers, then this x86, 32 bit, 64 bit, 128 bit terms may confuse you,. I got you, even it confuses me a lot a times! Imagine if i say x86 and 32 bit are not same but they are often related? Don't worry, I will try to explain in simple, using things i learnt. Of course, referring bit internet! For this, you may need to touch the basics of bits.

So, let's start with that too.

What does this so called Bit means?

First things first: what’s a bit? Think of a bit as the tiniest building block of data in computing. It can be either a 0 or a 1. By stacking these bits together, we build bytes (8 bits) and larger units. Understanding how bits work is essential when you ask, “What is 32-bit architecture?” because everything stems from these little guys!

2. Understanding 32 Bit vs 64 Bit

Now that we’re on the same page with bits, let’s talk about the two main types of processor architectures: 32 bit and 64 bit.

2.1 What’s does this 32 bit means?

  • Definition: A 32-bit processor can manage about 4 GB of RAM – that’s the maximum amount of memory it can handle. So if you’re imagining trying to fit a large suitcase into a tiny car, you’ve got the idea! In other words, an application can use maximum 4GB of RAM even if you have 16GB RAM. Now, you understood a bit? If you are using Older PC, then you might be likely running this 32Bit operating System.

2.2 What About 64 Bit?

  • A 64-bit processor can access an astronomical amount of memory—over 18 million terabytes! (that's they claim atleast!). If you are using latest Windows OS or PC, then you will likely use 64 bit version most of the time.

3. It’s All in the Name: What Are x86 and x64?

Now let’s tackle the terms x86 and x64.

3.1 What’s x86?

  •  x86 is a shorthand for 32-bit architecture. The term dates back to the Intel 8086 processor, which started it all.
  • Interesting Note: If a program is labeled as "compatible with x86," it means it’s created for 32-bit systems.

3.2 What’s x64?

  • On the flip side, x64 refers to 64-bit architecture. It’s like the advanced version of x86!

4. Understanding i386: A Nostalgic Throwback

Now let’s discuss i386.

  • Definition: The term i386 refers specifically to 32-bit processing based on Intel’s 80386 microprocessor, an important landmark in computing history.
  • When you see i386 referenced in programs, think of vintage computers! It’s synonymous with the 32-bit experience in legacy software.

5. Then what's this AMD64?

And now for the tech from the other side: AMD64! You seen the name right? AMD is another company that started computing business.

  • AMD64 refers to AMD's implementation of 64-bit architecture. It's designed to maintain backward compatibility with x86, allowing you to run older 32-bit software. If you got curious question, on whether you can run 32 bit application on 64 bit, yes you can!
Do you know when this i386 was introduced?

Don't be surprised, reports say it was in 1985.

So, Now you understood, why they are dropping the i386 support? Its almost 2 decades earlier. In a post published on official blog titled (The end of the i386 kernel and images), the developers called this move..

First, the Linux kernel: starting version 6.11 (that just landed in Kali rolling), the kernel is no longer built for the i386 architecture. 

Second, and as a direct consequence: the Kali Linux images. We will no longer build the i386 Installer image, the i386 Live image and the i386 Pre-Built VM images. This change impacts the next batch of weekly images (2024-W44, due next Monday) and the next Kali Linux release (2024.4, due before end of year).


Kali team also confirmed, it will not be removed, so you can still run it. 

However, i386 packages in general are not removed from the repository, therefore it’s still possible to run i386 programs on a 64-bit system. One can use dpkg --add-architecture i386 in order to then install i386 packages on their system via the package manager. Running i386 binaries on a 64-bit system is a standard scenario and is very well supported. Alternatively, we also provide i386 Docker images.

If you are still using the build or if you felt impacted, you can contact the developers through bug tracker.

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