[NTLUG:Discuss] 64/32 question

[./aal]

2008/9/23 Daniel Hauck <daniel at yacg.com>:

>
> >From personal experience, 64 bit can be a little frustrating.  Where
> proprietary technologies are concerned, you will find that there is 64
> bit Java, but no 64 bit Java browser plugin.  This hinders your ability
> to run "any" Java apps over the web.  Not a show-stopper for everyone,
> but certainly for me at times.  Other problems are with games and
> libraries for multimedia parts... some games just don't want to work
> well.  Getting Flash to work was a little cumbersome as well.  I
> followed directions on how to do that from a variety of sources and
> whatever "missing" thing there was, I can't be sure, but when I
> installed 64 bit Fedora a second time, it went more smoothly using an
> automated setup script someone put together.
>
> I am still running 64bit, however.  I can't say for certain if this is
> snappier or better in any particular way, but I see no cause to
> re-install.  I will say if "ease" is of primary concern to you, then
> stick with 32 bit.
>


Ahh yes, the java thang. I forgot. :^/
The same option can be used for browser+java and browser+flash
Which is to create a 32bit chroot for your browser
I have not done it so I cant honestly comment on its "friendliness".
On the surface it seems workable and, since it is only for a browser
and 2 plugins, I would not think it that bad to maintain.

I have a box that must remain in XP for work so I have it available if
I really need to get to java or flash in a page.
Of course, javascript is unaffected and runs fine.



I would recommend installing 64bit unless you have definite proof of
something specific you need being impossible to run on 64bit or in a
multilib 64/32 system. I looked at the effort required to convert a
32bit system to 64bit and found it was much easier for me to make the
(now rare) occasional adaptation of a 32bit app to run in a 64bit
system. In fact once the system is setup to compile for 64+32bit it is
almost transparent.

Keep in mind that everything is moving up the ladder, not down it. So,
to minimize future headaches during upgrades I went with what I was
most likely to find (e.g. 64bit hard/software)

YMMV

Al
Again, be sure to examine the age of the reports you use to decide.
 We all know how fast things can change in the OSS world ;^)




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