Having 32-bits and 64 at the same time

[hutxubix]

Hi,

I have my computer at work running on Ubuntu 32-bits but now I have got 4GB RAM of which the machine only sees 3.36 GB. As I have read here this is normal and I have to install the 64 bits version in order to be able to use the whole 4GB. I have some doubts that perhaps somebody can solve:

a) Can I install 64-bits version on Intel Core 2 Duo E6850?

b) I do not want to destroy the 32bits installation. Can I keep both of them?. If to do so I have to resize the partitions, How do I do it? With the installation program or it is better another procedure?

Thanks.

[John.Michael.Kane]

Hi,

I have my computer at work running on Ubuntu 32-bits but now I have got 4GB RAM of which the machine only sees 3.36 GB. As I have read here this is normal and I have to install the 64 bits version in order to be able to use the whole 4GB. I have some doubts that perhaps somebody can solve:

I will try to answer your questions.

a) Can I install 64-bits version on Intel Core 2 Duo E6850?
Yes. Ubuntu 64 will install on a core2,however. With any Linux install it will be based on many other factors, other then your cpu alone.

To further help. You would have to tell us your system specs completely. eg main board make, As well as gpu, and any add on cards being used.

b) I do not want to destroy the 32bits installation. Can I keep both of them?.
Yes you can dual boot 32, and 64bit ubuntu.

If to do so I have to resize the partitions, How do I do it? With the installation program or it is better another procedure?
To install Ubuntu64 on top of the existing install I would suggest using the alternate cd, As it should allow for automatic resizing of disk space.

Thanks.
You are welcome, and I hope this helps some.

[hutxubix]

Could you tell me the difference between alternate and desktop versions of ubuntu?

The only stuff I know I have are:

Intel Desktop Board DP35DP
and
GeForce 7300 GT

What do you think?

Thank you very much.

[jpittack]

alternate is textbased and has a better chance of installing correctly. The desktop version is the live cd. I personally have had problems with installing from a live cd, and suggest that you use the alternate. You need to check a box indicating that you want the alternate when downloading the cd.