Compiling a 64-bit kernel, or ?
 

One of the things that I've discovered about my processor is that it is a 64-bit processor. Another thing that I discovered about my processor is that I didn't notice the first thing (see above) when I assembled my current system. The third thing I noticed is that I've been running 32-bit everything.

Sucks to be getting older and distracted, let me tell you.

So, my next project will be to compile a 64-bit kernel. Or, will version 5.0 have a 64-bit option/version? If so, would I be better off upgrading to that version from this current installation?

Comments?

I haven't compared performance of 32 bit vs 64 bit kernels on the same machine but I can tell you that my 64 bit Kubuntu on my Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 totally screams! On the other hand I have better luck getting stuff like Flash and web cam drivers to work on my machines running a 32 bit kernel.

One place that has a lot of good Linux performance information is http://phoronix.com. Give them a quick look. You'll end up spending hours if you are interested in hardware performance under Linux.

We already have a 64bit iso, we have had once since I can remember, the "x86_64" iso is the image you are looking for.

In most distributions (probably all) dropping a 64-bit kernel into an installed 32 bit system won't work.

You usually need to reinstall a 64 bit version of the distribution.

Version 5.0 of what?

In your list of distributions and/or your post, I missed seeing which distribution you're actually using.

Sorry for the late post - what with work, I forgot I asked this question. Must be losing what's left of my mind.

To answer, I meant Sabayon version 5.0, in this case.

I have tried the 32-bit version of Ubuntu & F11 on my amd64 (hadn't realized it was a 64-bit m/c earlier), the performance was okay. Switched over to 64-bit ubuntu & F11 later, and found the performance rocks. Its faster and stable. Not many complaints on the 64-bit. I just downloaded the 64-bit iso and installed them.

Yeah, there were a few issues about flash player, googled and downloaded the flash 64-bit version. No problems with youtube.

Now trying Gentoo.....