U 12.04 from 32 to 64 bit

[rva1945]

Hi:

I have this question: if I upgrade to 64 bits, will the applications still run, or will I have to install the 64-bit versions? I am mainly concerned about running Jackd, Rakarrack and Guitarix (guitar effects).

Thanks

[TheFu]

I don't think there is an "upgrade" path between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems. I believe you will be doing a new install.

However, there is a 32-bit compatibility layer that should run all 32-bit programs under the 64-bit OS .... that works very well. After all, all 64-bit hardware CAN run in 32-bit mode. The only issue that I'm aware of is that 32-bit Windows programs often have issues running in WINE on a 64-bit system. If you don't do that, then don't worry. It is mostly for older games anyway.

The name of that compatibility package is ... ia32-libs.

Most programs for Ubuntu have 64-bit versions and those should be used on a 64-bit OS. There are lots of reasons, but that has been covered here extensively.

I'd also point out that my desktop is running a 32-bit Ubuntu Server with LXDE loaded. It runs wtih 1.5G of RAM, so 64-bits just doesn't make any sense.

There is probably something that I've missed or misunderstood. Please ask for clarification if needed.

[rva1945]

Yes I meant a fresh new install. So I will re-install the applications (no Windows no Wine) and they should run.

Will I benefit from the 64-bit version? Will the apps run better?

thanks

[TheFu]

Will I benefit from the 64-bit version? Will the apps run better?

It depends on the application and what you do with it. Some run better, some run worse. Some run about the same.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/32bit_and_64bit tries to explain.

[oldfred]

If you have installed a lot of applications you will want to export a list to reinstall.

from lovinglinux - use dpkg to list installed apps
http://ubuntuforums.org/showpost.php...75&postcount=5
http://kevin.vanzonneveld.net/techbl...selectupgrade/
From old install
dpkg --get-selections > ~/my-packages
From New install
sudo dpkg --set-selections < my-packages
sudo apt-get -y update
sudo apt-get dselect-upgrade

And you want a good backup of /home. If you manually changed hardware settings in /etc you should back up those also, but do not automatically copy back. New version may not need old settings, or may need somewhat different settings. But best to have old settings in case you do need them.

My backup assumes I will just do a new clean install and want to restore system from that backup.

Oldfred's list of stuff to backup May 2011:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1748541