Dual-core, 64-bit Linux

RodWC · 07-25-2006, 07:12 PM

Hey everyone. I'm looking at putting together a computer for a friend, and I'm thinking of going with a dual-core, 64bit AMD (which is a lot better than anything I have currently!), and I'm wondering what issues I could possibly encounter running Linux (Debian) on it. Will 32-bit Debian run fine on 64-bit processors? Is dual-core something that has to be set up or is it automatic? Can a 32-bit distro be upgraded to 64-bit easily (ie, downloading the kernel package)?

Thanks

Samoth · 07-25-2006, 08:06 PM

OK, first off, you can never upgrade to 64-bit from 32-bit, everything is built for that arch. Second, you can run 32-bit on a 64-bit machine and it works spendidly. However, to use the full potential you should use all 64-bits. If your friend is anywhat linux-savvy try setting him up with Gentoo, you can really use your two cores/64-bits to the best potential. I dont use debian, but i believe you just need to set him up with a SMP-enables kernel when you install Debian.

carlosinfl · 07-25-2006, 08:14 PM

Debian 64 works great. Just make sure you install Firefox as a 32 bit app as there is no flash plugin for Firefox on the 64 side. I use a lot flash sites so that is a big deal for me.

slantoflight · 07-25-2006, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carlwill

I use a lot flash sites so that is a big deal for me.

Then the whole flash 8/9 thing must be torture for you.
Lots of websites are upgrading, and adobe has yet to release the promised flash 9 for linux. They have said the release would coincide with the release for intel macs, but so far its still a no show. As usual, linux is the forgotten/neglected platform.

carlosinfl · 07-26-2006, 07:25 AM

No, it's more the whole flash 7/8 is annoying. I try and go to a site and it says I need Flash 8 and links me to install it via a Windows .exe file when Flash 7 is the latest for Linux...

RodWC · 08-10-2006, 06:31 AM

Well I got the computer now and installed Debian Etch amd64 with SMP kernel. Now, I'm confused as to how one installs certain applications as 32bit. Could someone tell me how to do this? Thanks!

HappyTux · 08-10-2006, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RodWC

Well I got the computer now and installed Debian Etch amd64 with SMP kernel. Now, I'm confused as to how one installs certain applications as 32bit. Could someone tell me how to do this? Thanks!

You need to do what is called a chroot install of a 32bit system the documentation is rather confusing if what I read on the debian-amd64 and debian-user list is to go by. You may want to do a search on either of those lists at http://lists.debian.org or by using Google Groups.