# Searchable Keywords: 32 64 bit 

How to Determine if a Linux machine has a 32 bit or 64 bit kernel


Based on the output from the following command you can easily
determine if a Linux machine has 32 bit or 64 bit kernel:

uname -a

If you see something like x86_64, then your running with a 64 bit
kernel. If you use see i386/i486/i586/i686 itâ..s a 32 bit kernel.

example:
# uname -a
Linux zenoss 2.6.9-78.0.1.ELsmp #1 SMP Tue Jul 22 18:11:48 EDT 2008 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux


The above would be a 32bit linux operating system