Getting 32-bit applications to work in 64 bit Linux?

Cityscape · 02-20-2013, 12:10 AM

So.... I've never used 64 bit Linux until now. What do I need to do to get 32 bit only software (printer driver etc) to work in 64 bit Linux, specifically Debian based distributions?

chrism01 · 02-20-2013, 12:14 AM

I would expect Debian to have multi-lib support (like RHEL), whereby 32 and 64 bit libs are installed and the OS can tell which is which automatically/transparently.
IOW, it shouldn't be a problem...

Cityscape · 02-20-2013, 12:24 AM

Well I have one computer with Debian and 2 with Linux Mint. Some people online seem to suggest installing ia32-libs and force installing programs to i386 and others suggest various other ways.

And Im new to 64 bit Linux... so I have no clue. :/

allend · 02-20-2013, 12:40 AM

Brother printer drivers are 32 -bit only. From http://welcome.solutions.brother.com...en/before.html

Quote:

Pre-required Procedure (5)
Related distributions
Debian 64 bit version, Ubuntu 64 bit version
Related products/drivers
printer/PC-FAX drivers
Requirement
ia32-libs or lib32stdc++ is required to be installed.

I know that on Slackware 64-bit (which by default has no 32-bit libraries, I need to install a 32-bit glibc and cups library so that printing will work for my Brother printer.