Actually I missed this. "4Gb ram, in future will be upgraded to more ram."

If the system can fully support more ram, then I'd consider a 64 bit OS. Test to be sure.

This doesn't fully solve all issues. Your entire system, and applications need to be taken into consideration. It is simply not possible for us to say use this or that and it will work. If your apps or main use is still 32 bit then it is foolish to use a 64 bit OS in my thinking.

If your system doesn't have support for 32 bit then you'd again have to find solutions.

If your server if fully working now on 32 bit then it may not be worth it to change. Sometimes, it is best to not re-invent the wheel.

Using this data:
http://www.gilesorr.com/wm/memory64.html
http://www.gilesorr.com/wm/memory32.html

Matching up versions I get an average of 25% more RAM usage for 64-bit with standard deviation of 14%. I did eliminate a few outliers, but this is the usual increase in RAM usage. It can be up to 50% or more in some cases and of course it can also use the same or less RAM.

There are other data you can use including the programming benchmarks:
http://benchmarksgame.alioth.debian.org/
You will get similar results.

I have three computers running Linux Mint. Two are running the 32 bit and work fine. I recently installed Quana 17 mate in the 64 bit and when I hit the "Quit" button it will not turn my computer off. The desktop shuts down but the computer keeps running. SO now here was the question asked...'Why restrict yourself to 32-bit?.....I am going to install the 32 bit system and see if it will shut down my computer.. Seems there is no harm to be done by giving this a shot..

Thanks for all the above information.!!

Harvey in
Kelowna, BC.

I have now installed the 32bit Mate OS on my Gateway 64 bit computer.. The shut down problem has vanished.. I now feel comfortable reloading my documnets, pictures etc..

Hope this helps someone else..