64 bit computers

Jerrodg · 08-01-2005, 06:07 PM

Is there any reason that I cannot run Linux on a 64 bit system? I've heard that there are some compatibility issues. I would use the search, but it isn't working for me for some reason.

Simon Bridge · 08-01-2005, 06:20 PM

There is no reason at all. Major distros have a 64 bit version, as do most packages. To get search to give you a list of threads - you have to be specific. "AMD Athlon" will work but "64 bit computer" will take a looong time.

btmiller · 08-01-2005, 07:34 PM

Since 64 bit computers are fairly new in the x86 world, some of the distros built for them have gone through less rigorous quality assurance and testing. You can just run a 32 bit distro of course, if you're that worried. Linux has run on many 64 bit non-x86 machines (DEC Alpha, UltraSPARC, etc.) for a long time, so if you have one of those, no worries.

paul85 · 08-01-2005, 07:45 PM

There are no problems running Linux on a 64 bit system. The only problems you may have is that you may have to run 32 bit versions of certain programs (ie: browsers) since the last time I checked things like Flash, Java plugins currently do not exist for 64 bit systems.