Can I install Linux 32 bits on system 64 bits?

miros84 · 01-05-2010, 10:28 AM

Can I install Linux 32 bits on system 64 bits?
For example if I have cpu 64 bits, can I install ubuntu 32 bits?
If yes, all drivers will befor 32 bits, right?

dxqcanada · 01-05-2010, 10:36 AM

Yes you can.
Correct. All drivers and apps will be 32bit.
Your system will not be taking advantage of your 64bit processor.

gm04030276 · 01-05-2010, 10:37 AM

yes, you can

drivers would be 32 bit, yes.

You can also install 64 bit linux and run 32 bit programs on it if you need to. just install ia32libs I think?

thorkelljarl · 01-05-2010, 10:42 AM

The good news...

There may some loss of efficiency, but for normal home use, you probably won't see the difference. Support for some hardware is better in 32-bit, and therefor it may sometimes be a better choice.

miros84 · 01-06-2010, 06:04 AM

Yes, thta's why, for now I prefer to use 32 bits Linux, because as I see there arenor still good drivers fot 64 bits.

~sHyLoCk~ · 01-06-2010, 06:49 AM

What drivers?

miros84 · 01-06-2010, 06:56 AM

I just have seen in internet that many people tells that they have problems with 64bits drivers.

~sHyLoCk~ · 01-06-2010, 07:49 AM

Nah, they are either old discussions or they haven't used x64 recently. A few apps like virtualbox, skype are still 32bits but they can be run and used within a multilib 64bit system as well. There's no driver problem anymore.