CentOS

I'm deploying some 64bit CentOS boxes for the first time. I'm just curious about how the packages work for this architecture.

Why are there 2 packages installed? (FLAC in this example, just picked something random)

Why is the x86_64 package not sufficient?






Package flac-1.1.2-28.el5_0.1.x86_64 already installed and latest version
Package flac-1.1.2-28.el5_0.1.i386 already installed and latest version

It seems to be a case by case thing (although there's almost certainly some rhyme or reason, but I've never really checked.)

Some things, for example, skype (to use a bad example, as it's not part of the official repos) will only run in 32 bit, so you will need 32 bit libs.

Welcome to the CentOS fora. Reading [url=https://www.centos.org/modules/newbb/viewforum.php?forum=47]FAQ & Readme First[/url] is recommended for new users.

Please see also:
[url=http://wiki.centos.org/FAQ/General#head-357346ff0bf7c14b0849c3bcce39677aaca528e9]FAQ#22. I installed the x86_64 version, so why do I have i386 packages, and can I get rid of them?[/url]

Note that as Scott points out you may need i386 packages for compatibility with some applications, but if you don't, then a "pure" x86_64 system is possible.