Need guide for upgrading kernel on Ubuntu 9.10
 

Hello,

I'm running Ubuntu 9.10. I installed a 32 bit version of Ubuntu because I didn't know I could run a 64 bit version on my laptop. I want to upgrade the kernel but when I've done that in thee past I've had crappy, I mean, mixed results.

Does anybody have any links to any good step-by-step kernel upgrade guides? I could just Google it but I'd rather have one that someone can recommend.

Thanks

If you want a 64-bit system, then simply re-install Ubuntu using a 64-bit version.

by "upgrade the kernel", do you mean to get a new kernel using the package manager, or do you mean re-compiling? Regardless, for such a problem, you would need to give specifics.

I guess my ultimate goal is use a 64 bit OS. I meant re-compiling a kernel designed for my CPU. Currently I'm using 2.6.28-16-generic (I think, I'm at work at the moment).

I think your former suggestion is the most appropriate.

That brings up another question - is there anyway of upgrading to a 64 bit edition without having to format the partition? I know I can upgrade to another version of Ubuntu through a number of ways, but that still gives me the generic kernel, not a 64 bit kernel.

I have seen reports of people changing from 32 bit to 64 bit without having to reinstall (I think it was on Open SuSE), but I think this is not for the feint of heart or inexperienced. Your best bet is to reinstall with the amd64 installer/packages.

You wont have to format any partitions, but your will need to backup /home, if it is not on a separate partition to /. If you do plan to reinstall with 64 ubuntu, there are various tricks you can use to make reinstalling the same (albeit 64 bit) packages easy.

Cheers,

Evo2.

Thanks
 

Thanks, Evo. I'll look into it. I regularly backup /home and yes, it's on the same partition. I'll see what I can find.