Do you primarily use a 64-bit or 32-bit CPU?...if 64-bit what Distro do you use?

[RAV TUX]

Do you primarily use a 64-bit or 32-bit CPU?...if 64-bit what Distro do you use?

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I primarily use a 64-bit CPU and as many well know I use OzOs(64-bit). (http://cafelinux.org/OzOs/)

Which do you use?

[jdong]

I have a 32-bit and a 64-bit CPU both in active use. Both run i386 distributions for now, until I have a good reason why to switch.

I run Ubuntu on both, though one machine is so heavily customized I'm not sure if it can still be called "Ubuntu" anymore :)

[~LoKe]

I use a 64bit cpu (Q6600). However, I use a 32bit OS. Less hassle and in my case, better performance.

[FuturePilot]

I only have 1 64 bit machine but it runs 32 bit Ubuntu.
I primarily use a 32 bit machine that runs Ubuntu.
My other two are also 32 bit. One with Xubuntu the other with Ubuntu.

[RAV TUX]

I have a 32-bit and a 64-bit CPU both in active use. Both run i386 distributions for now, until I have a good reason why to switch.

I run Ubuntu on both, though one machine is so heavily customized I'm not sure if it can still be called "Ubuntu" anymore :)

I have both also but I primarily use my 64-bit CPU, using the 64-bit version of OzOs.

[Kingsley]

64-bit CPU running 32-bit Fedora.

[RAV TUX]

I use a 64bit cpu (Q6600). However, I use a 32bit OS. Less hassle and in my case, better performance.Which OS?

[igknighted]

Sadly, I also use 32bit Fedora on a 64bit CPU (Desktop runs 32 bit windows as well... although now that I think about it, I might be able to get the 64bit version from MSDNAA...). The _ONLY_ reason I use 32bit instead of 64bit is because of the Java plugin. In order to connect to my school's network I must pass the dreaded CCA check. This is also the reason Windows is not on my laptop, as Windows computers need this program installed and running and it's a HUGE PITA. Thankfully with linux I just need a username and password that I enter in a java applet, but it means that I _must_ have the Java plugin. I tried to use the "1.7" Iced Tea version, but it did not work with the CCA applet, so until it works, no 64bit for me.

[~LoKe]

Which OS?
Ubuntu 8.04.

[RAV TUX]

Ubuntu 8.04.Thanks. ;)

[NullHead]

I have one 64bit cpu and one(laptop) 32bit one. The 64bit one is an AMD Athlon 64 4000+ running ubuntu amd64 and windows XP pro x64. The laptop runs ubuntu i386 and windows XP PRO.

The laptop happens to be a Dell Inspiron 8600 and the desktop is a custom built one.

[NightwishFan]

64-bit heavily customized Ubuntu Gutsy. "Nightwish Linux"

[p_quarles]

Moved to Recurring Discussions.

Me: I use 64-bit Debian Lenny on my desktop, 32-bit Debian Etch on my home server, and 32-bit Ubuntu 7.10 on my laptop.

[Artificial Intelligence]

64-bit here.

Very useful when I do heavy stuff.
Overall the perfermance is better on my computer when using 64-bit OS than 32-bit.

[akiratheoni]

Well, I use a 64-bit CPU but I'm running a 32-bit OS... Ubuntu 7.10.

[qazwsx]

64 bit CPU and 64 bit OS. I don't even think of using 32 bit OS anymore.
All the 64 bit vs 32 bit compatibilty issues are easily solvable via dpkg --force or dpkg -X in my case.

sidux and Kubuntu x86_64/amd64

[unityofsaints]

Ubuntu 7.10 x64... most decent 64-bit O.S. out there. Have Windows Server 2003 64-bit for my dual-proc workstation just for Lightroom and Photoshop CS3, Ubuntu 64 for everything else.

[jdong]

My primary motivation for running a 64-bit OS is for test-building some packages in 64-bit Ubuntu to make sure I don't upload something too embarrassing. Especially multimedia stuff you can't just assume it'll build on every architecture... However with the introduction of PPA's this has become less of a problem for me.

As far as otherwise, I like having a unified architecture across my computers as it makes customizing them with my patched packages a lot more streamlined. I'd switch back to Gentoo before setting up a fullblown buildd locally.

[smartboyathome]

I use 64 bit on my 64 bit desktop, and 32 bit on my 32 bit laptop. Reason being: I find 64 bit is just as good as 32 bit, and would like to take advantage of the possibilities of 64 bit. I don't find as much of a lack of software as others do.

[bobbocanfly]

Server (32) and Desktop (64) both running 32bit Ubuntu 7.10. Next time i fresh reinstall on my desktop i might give 64bit a go but so far i can find any use for it as all video encoding goes on 24/7 on my 32 bit box.

[Superkoop]

64bit Processor, and 64amd Ubuntu 7.10.
I was originally planning on using the regular 32bit, but I decided I may as well try the 64bit, and then if that wouldn't work for me, I could just use the 32bit. And I haven't had any major problems with 64bit build, aside from not having a usplash screen, but I don't really care about that.
And I use Blender too, and I was curious how much faster my renders would be...they are loads faster!
And everything else works fine: Java, DVDs, every website so far, all programs.

Since everything worked, I saw no reason to even bother with 32bit.

[insane_alien]

64-bit proc with ubuntu works a treat as i do a fair bit of processing that can take advantage of the 64-bit architecture. and believe me, when you have something like that you can't help but notice the difference(seriously, its like 4 times quicker when run on the 64-bitOS than 32-bit OS)

also i have 8GB of RAM and want to use it.

[ghandi69_]

64-bit proc with ubuntu works a treat as i do a fair bit of processing that can take advantage of the 64-bit architecture. and believe me, when you have something like that you can't help but notice the difference(seriously, its like 4 times quicker when run on the 64-bitOS than 32-bit OS)

also i have 8GB of RAM and want to use it.

Can you give some examples of the processing you do that takes advantage of 64 bits?

[jdong]

also i have 8GB of RAM and want to use it.


To clarify on this point, you can use more than 4GB RAM on 32-bit Ubuntu, just one single process cannot use more than 4GB.

[Freddy]

I use a 64bit cpu on both of my machines, one with Vista and the other one with OzOS.

[fwojciec]

My desktop: 32bit Crux and 64bit Arch (as of yesterday) -- 32bit is the main system. 64bit is pure 64 (no 32bit apps or libs) - it's actually pretty feasible these days, swfdec is being developed rapidly and is already a decent substitute for flash, the only thing I'm really missing is 64bit Skype.

Laptop: 32bit Arch.

[Medieval_Creations]

64-Bit CPU & a 32-Bit OS.

I've had some success running a 64-Bit OS, but the time involved to get everything working (at least at the moment, for me) does not offset the minimal performance gains.

[Freddy]

64-Bit CPU & a 32-Bit OS.

I've had some success running a 64-Bit OS, but the time involved to get everything working (at least at the moment, for me) does not offset the minimal performance gains.
Everybody always complains about this "tough to get everything to work" I haven't seen that. Java and flash from the repositories works just fine and I haven't seen any problems with anything whatsoever. Okay I had one problem, when using a 8800 nvidia card there is a big and nasty usplash bug but that's pretty easy to get around if you know about it.

[Medieval_Creations]

Admittedly, I haven't tried 64-bit on Gutsy. My experiences were from Edgy & Feisty and there were far more issues and not as many things worked as well.

Eventually I'll give the 64-bit another go and I'm sure with a lot of the new packages out there I won't have nearly as many issues, but at the moment just don't have time to play with it.

[Freddy]

Admittedly, I haven't tried 64-bit on Gutsy. My experiences were from Edgy & Feisty and there were far more issues and not as many things worked as well.

Eventually I'll give the 64-bit another go and I'm sure with a lot of the new packages out there I won't have nearly as many issues, but at the moment just don't have time to play with it.
When I take a look in the 64bit forums, I see a lot of people having difficulties with Gutsy 64bit but I cant see how. Besides that nasty impossible to boot a 64bit Gutsy/Hardy version with usplash on with a nvidia 8800 card, I haven't had single problem. I have seen a lot of peeps with major flash and java issues though, I just cant see what they did wrong and I did right :).

So for me a 64bit OS wasn't something to play with, it just worked as well as my previous 32bit version did.

[Medieval_Creations]

Everyone has different rigs, knowledge level, application needs and therefore a unique set of challenges & experiences... I think all of us at some point have come across a post about something not working, yet when we tried it, it worked fine from the get go.

I'm sure if I tried I could get it up and running with minimal effort.
Also, right now I'm running Protech, wich doesn't have a 64-bit release.

[jdong]

Everyone has different rigs, knowledge level, application needs and therefore a unique set of challenges & experiences... I think all of us at some point have come across a post about something not working, yet when we tried it, it worked fine from the get go.


You hit the nail on the head. It's cliche, but your mileage may vary :).

It also depends on what kind of work you do. For example, there's this course management system I've had to work with that uses Flash extensively, and on nspluginwrapper in Gutsy AMD64 the flash applet often becomes unresponsive. At the same time, I've watched hour-long flash youtube type lectures with the identical setup without issue.

So, don't use your personal experience to judge on others' potential success.

[Freddy]

So, don't use your personal experience to judge on others' potential success.
I didn't do that and if it came out that way, I'm sorry

It was merely a question since I have heard more or less only awful things about Ubuntu 64bit and for me it just worked. Of course I have had some flash issues (Firefox freezes amongst others) but I had those in a regular Ubuntu 32bit setup to (never with Debian or Fedora though :)).

[GSF1200S]

64Bit processor, 64Bit buntu- By using it, my questions and answers help other people along. Eventually the big switch is going to happen anyways- might as well be familiar...

[Medieval_Creations]

I see a lot of issues/complaints about 64-bit as well. I work in customer service so maybe my view on this is a little different, but if it works and that person didn't have any issues, most aren't going to post about it. Typically people only post when they are having trouble and it's not working.

So I expect to see more posts about things that are broken or not working. That's why they are here, to get help. Dunno, just MHO.

[gsmanners]

Ubuntu, mainly because of their 64-bit support.

For doing any serious multimedia transcoding or 3D rendering, the boost in speed is a huge plus.

[jdong]

I didn't do that and if it came out that way, I'm sorry

It was merely a question since I have heard more or less only awful things about Ubuntu 64bit and for me it just worked. Of course I have had some flash issues (Firefox freezes amongst others) but I had those in a regular Ubuntu 32bit setup to (never with Debian or Fedora though :)).

No worries, I didn't mean to come out terribly anti-64bit either :) In the end, it's about using what suits us the best :)

[RAV TUX]

Interesting to see the majority of responders to the poll use 64-bit CPUs.

[a94060]

32 bit. I installed 64 bit fedora and bang,tried installing nvidia drivers and forgot that i needed 64 bit... Gave 64 up right there. Seems like everything is made for 32:lolflag:

[qazwsx]

Very intresting to realize that lots of users don't take advantage full advantage of their hardware. Hardware misuse.

I am quite happy 64 bit user. Just remember Linux != Windows especially on different architectures (it just compiles on Linux) :). Just don't let Windows world hold us in the 1990's :KS
Even propietary side is more configurable: You can run Adobe Flash inside of KMPlayer in 64 bit using 32 bit nppplayer :lolflag: or just use nspluginwrapper. That is so cool !!!

[jdong]

Very intresting to realize that lots of users don't take advantage full advantage of their hardware. Hardware misuse.


I don't at all agree with this point of view. This seems to imply that running 32-bit software on a x86-64 CPU somehow severely incapacitates the abilities of the processor. This is simply untrue -- for the average person's work, the additional abilities of long mode do not manifest in any significant benefit.


I am quite happy 64 bit user. Just remember Linux != Windows especially on different architectures (it just compiles on Linux) :). Just don't let Windows world hold us in the 1990's :KS
Even propietary side is more configurable: You can run Adobe Flash inside of KMPlayer in 64 bit using 32 bit nppplayer :lolflag: or just use nspluginwrapper. That is so cool !!!
nspluginwrapper is not perfect, though it is very cool in what it is able to do. However, it still doesn't perfectly run all flash that worked in 32-bit ubuntu in 64-bit ubuntu, and same with w64codecs vs w32codecs. Just simply because x86-64 is a less tested/popular architecture, it can cause more difficulties when stepping out of the repository looking for software. However, there's an obvious catch-22 with that.

Personally I'm quite happy as a 32-bit Ubuntu user, but as an Ubuntu developer I also take responsibility for our fully supported x86-64 platform and take x86-64 bugs just as seriously as i386 ones. However, not all of us are the same in that regard.

[qazwsx]

I don't at all agree with this point of view. This seems to imply that running 32-bit software on a x86-64 CPU somehow severely incapacitates the abilities of the processor. This is simply untrue -- for the average person's work, the additional abilities of long mode do not manifest in any significant benefit.


nspluginwrapper is not perfect, though it is very cool in what it is able to do. However, it still doesn't perfectly run all flash that worked in 32-bit ubuntu in 64-bit ubuntu, and same with w64codecs vs w32codecs. Just simply because x86-64 is a less tested/popular architecture, it can cause more difficulties when stepping out of the repository looking for software. However, there's an obvious catch-22 with that.

Personally I'm quite happy as a 32-bit Ubuntu user, but as an Ubuntu developer I also take responsibility for our fully supported x86-64 platform and take x86-64 bugs just as seriously as i386 ones. However, not all of us are the same in that regard.

I didn't meant to say users are misusing hardware. Misusers are mainly some closed sourced software companies + only 32 bit driver hardware vendors.

Very good HOWTO handle your 32 bit needs in 64 bit installation.
http://www.debian-administration.org/articles/534
Ubuntu uses different ia32 directory than debian.

You don't really need w32codecs. Most codecs have (nearly) fully compatible open source equivalents. If that is not the case for you the see howto above.

I have ditched nspluginwrapper and nowdays I use embedded KMPlayer (with 32 bit nppplayer) in Konqueror for flashy content (requires compling in 7.10+little bit googling) .

[jdong]

I didn't meant to say users are misusing hardware. Misusers are mainly some closed sourced software companies + only 32 bit driver hardware vendors.

Sorry, I thought you were implying something else.

You don't really need w32codecs. Most codecs have (nearly) fully compatible open source equivalents. If that is not the case for you the see howto above.

The key word is most. Sadly, one of the most popular formats (WMV) has a very incomplete implementation in ffmpeg and can only be reliably used to decode 2 or 3 generation old WMV format files.