[NTLUG:Discuss] 64/32 question

[./aal]

On Tue, Sep 23, 2008 at 8:24 AM, Fred <fredstevens at yahoo.com> wrote:
> What are the relative merits of running 32-bit Linux
> on a dual core (or dual processor... is that the same
> thing?) computer vs 64-bit?
>
> Some reports show that the 64-bit systems run
> some programs really fast but others have very little
> real difference. I also hear that the 64-bit systems are
> not yet fully developed and there are myriad pitfalls
> waiting. OK, not the kernel, just all those other programs
> that are in the package. The opensuse list is full of stories
> documenting many hours of what I see as unnecessary
> farting around with stuff that is supposed to work out of the box.
>
> I am considering upgrading my hardware and if a 32-bit
> system will install on it, then that is what I am leaning
> toward. I could always install a 64-bit system on it later.

I had the same question when I got my AMD64 system earlier this year
After research I found that almost every story of "farting around"
related to early adopters of years ago.
64 bit is mature now. the only thing I have had to live without is a
64bit flash player from adobe (not a big loss)
There are multiple options to have flash in a 64bit system, so that is
not insurmountable.

I have had nothing else to deal with. I am able to install 32 or 64
bit code since I chose to start with a 64bit install
It is easier to add a 32bit version of a lib to a 64bit system than it
is to try upgrading and entire 32bit system to 64bit.

I would go ahead and install native(64bit).
BTW: I speak from experience with Gentoo. A bin based distro will
limit you to what precompiled versions you can find. Look at the
forums you read and note the dates on the posts. Also choose based on
what you intend to do, some apps are still not fully ported to 64bit,
if one of those apps is needed by you immediately then install 32bit.
Keep in mind it is easier to make a 32bit app run in a 64bit install,
than it is to do the obverse.

You can also make a dual boot system and see for yourself, then
convert the non-used OS to a data partition for the one you choose,
after deciding.

OR, You can install 64bit, and make 32bit VM's for the stuff that
needs a total 32bit env(this is one of the flash solutions)

-- 
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promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want
peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of
the way and let them have it.
 -- Dwight D. Eisenhower

 "I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed
us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their
use." --Galileo Galilei
Bertolt Brecht  - "Because things are the way they are, things will
not stay the way they are."