[SOLVED] 64 bit ubuntu vs. 32 bit

[jheaton5]

I have intel core 2 duo x64 bit processors on my laptop. I am currently running the 32 bit version of hardy. My computing experience is excelent. Should I switch to the 64 bit version of hardy or leave well enough alone.

[tribaal]

I myself use 64bit OSes only, but I suggest you read this forum sticky (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=765428) listing advantages/disavantages of running a 64bit OS, and make your own opinion :)

Hope this helps!

- Trib'

[Sef]

Also read Java on 64-bit (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=774956).

99% of the apps have 32 and 64-bit versions. It is really up to you. There have been many threads on this issue.

[tuxxy]

Definitely 64-bit!

Heres a link to the 64-bit users group (http://ubuntuforums.org/group.php?groupid=258). :)

[kpatz]

If you have 4 GB or more RAM, definitely go 64-bit.

If you're doing heavy crunching of large amounts of data (e.g. video processing, large image processing), you may also see a performance boost from 64-bit.

Otherwise, it's probably a wash. If your 32-bit install suits you, keep it. Maybe move to 64-bit when you have another reason to reinstall.

[jheaton5]

I really appreciate the links. I have done forum searches and google searches and have found hundreds of possible links, most of which don't address this issue. You two have given me a wealth of information, again, thank you. I realize that the decision is mine to make, but I want it to be an informed decision.:)

[steveneddy]

Just to add my two cents, I have used 64 bit Ubuntu for over a year and I wouldn't go back to 32 bit unless I couldn't run a 64 bit version.

64 bit is faster is all areas of operation.

:)

[ariel]

I switched about a year ago now to 64 bit. The only real annoyance I've run into is that adobe flash player plugin for firefox stops working quite often and you have to restart firefox to get it to work.

Apparently this would be fixed the day adobe releases an true 64 bit version of the player (the current one is 32 bits, runs in 64 bit systems but has this annoying issues). Hopufully one day we will be able to get rid of adobe low quality player and replace it with an opensource one (not yet there, though).

[LaRoza]

I use 64 bit now because Opera and flash work on it.

If you have a system set up already, changing without a good reason isn't needed (my desktop is still 32 bit)

[doorknob60]

What I'd do is keep your 32 bit Hardy for now, and when Intrepid comes out, go grab a 64 bit ISO (off bittorrent of course) and do a clean install. Of course you don't have to though, but it never hurts to clean install when a new version comes out :)