64-bit vs 32-bit

[cheatr]

Which is better, is a processor on 32 bits better than 64 or worse? i could never understand this...

[Fixman]

A 64 bit processor is better, and will go faster. In most operating systems, you got two versions - 32 bit and 64 bit. In a 32 bit processor, only 32 bit version will work. On a 64 bit processor, 32 bit system will go a tad faster, and 64 bit system will go pretty fast. But, most programs are compiled for 32 bit, so may only be used on 32 bit systems (and work on 64 bit processors).

[brharri1]

It's a little tricky. 64 bit is better. I don't know enough to explain why. If you get a 64 bit processor, you can run either the 64 bit version of ubuntu or the 32 bit version. In the past, the 64 bit version was somewhat crippled compared to the 32 bit version because some of the programs had not been written for 64 bit. That is not really the case anymore, however flash (written by adobe) is not compatible with 64 bit. However, if you read the forums, it is not difficult at all to get flash to work in 64 bit ubuntu (either by using a 'hack' to get the 32bit flash to work or to install a separate 32bit firefox).

The biggest performance gains in 64 bit come from tasks such as audio/video encoding.

Hope this helps a little.

[Lostincyberspace]

64 bit processor is better since you can use more memory even if you are running a 32 bit Linux OS because of the big memory function in the kernel which allows you to use up to 64 GB even with a 32 bit OS you still need a 64bit processor though or else it won't work.

[SunnyRabbiera]

For me 32 is the better, speed means nothing when compared to compatibility