Ubuntu Desktop 12.04 LTS - 32bit is still recommended?

[dharmavir]

I have read somewhere that with Ubuntu 12.04 (Precise) 64bit will be default recommended version for both Server as well as Desktop version.

Is there any reason for 32bit being default and recommended option for desktop?

Some of the benefits I have browse around are:
- majority of apps are native 32bit by default and just compiled as 64bit w/o any real optimization for 64bit
- less memory consumption
- flash support for desktop environment
- wide range of app support with 32bit and lesser issues.
- probably some h/w support issues as well.

Is all this still issues with Ubuntu and Linux today?

[Paddy Landau]

Yes, I spotted that as well to my surprise.

It was supposed to be 64-bit. I would have reported it, but I don't know where.

I have used 64-bit for about two years. The only problem is the occasional blip with Flash, as Adobe is in two minds about it; but the use of the Flash Aid plug-in for Firefox usually solves it.

If you want 64-bit, go for it. You are recommended to have 2Gb or more of RAM (unless you use Lubuntu, which has lower requirements).