i am a newbie at linux and have decided to start using mandrake. my question is which version to get? i am currently running an AMD XP 2500+ but i will be upgrading to an AMD64 in the next 6 to 9 months. Can i buy Mandrake 64-bit and run it on my 2500+ or will that not work? or should i just get Madrake powerpack 10.1 and then upgrade it to mandrake 64-bit when i get the new computer? (also is it difficult to make that upgrade?) the issue is also about cost cause i dont want to buy a new version of mandrake (since madrake 64-bit is not free) when i have recently purchased a version.

thanks for the help.

Hi!

I don't think that you will be able to run the 64-bit Mandrake on on a XP 2500+. You can download 10.1 from Mandrakes homepages http://www.mandrakelinux.com/en-us/ for free and if you find that you like Mandrake you can later join Mandrake-Club and download the 64-bit version then.

Razze

Razze is right. Until you get a 64-bit machine, the 64-bit version of Mandrake (or any other distro, for that matter) will not run. Your best bet is probably to download the free 3-CD set from Mandrake, install it, and see if you like it. When you get your 64-bit machine this software will still work, and you can purchase the 64-bit version at your convenience.

i am not really wanting the 3-CD version but the 6-CD version so that i can do my C and C++ assignments for University on it with the development tools. Also i am a poweruser of my current windows machine and i want to be able to fully use an OS and not get a "lite" version. i dont want powerpack+ because i am not running a server...yet. The fetures of the 6-CD version just seem to be such a huge gap with the 3-CD version that i just dont know if the 3CD version is worth it and instead just get the 6CD version.

Also would it be hard to ugrade the 32-bit version to a 64-bit version without buying an entirely new OS?

Well, the 3-CD version is *free*, so the price is definitely right. And by using the EasyUrpmi page linked in my sig, you can easily set your system up with *all* the non-proprietary software available in the Powerpack edition, including all the software development tools. Personally, the only good reason to buy the Powerpack edition is to support Mandrakesoft (which actually is a good reason).

(I have both the Download and the Powerpack versions loaded on my system, and I have found I use the Download version more than Powerpack - it doesn't give me enough advantages, and in some important areas, like drivers for my old ATI card, the opensource drivers work better than the proprietary ones that are bundled with Powerpack! I have set up my Download edition to have all the non-commercial software that Powerpack has in it. The only reason I still have a partition with Powerpack on it is to have a place to "play", where I won't accidently screw up my "good" system - Download. )

As for upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit, I am afraid you would have to purchase the 64-bit version. This is why I suggested starting with the 32-bit free download version: a chance to try out the distro before you spend money on it.

good stuff
that is exactly what i needed to here. thanks all. i am sure you will hear from me from time to time with questions.
--mitch