Difference between 64 bit & 32 bit Linux?

[Kilz]

Originally Posted by leona And this will be where you'll run into problems, because Sun haven't produced a 64bit plugin, so no java in your 64bit browser, so then you'll have to install a 32bit browser, and this is where all the 'fun' starts!

Since he installed flash, and there is no 64bit flash. He either has a 32bit browser installed , or did the harder trick of getting the nspluginwrapper installed.

[John Jason Jordan]

Originally Posted by Kilz Since he installed flash, and there is no 64bit flash. He either has a 32bit browser installed , or did the harder trick of getting the nspluginwrapper installed.

I agree that getting Flash installed via nspluginwrapper can be a bit tricky. It took me a bit of fiddling and a lot of patience waiting for someone to tell me the next thing to try. I do now have Flash 9 working just fine in 64-bit Firefox 2.0. Kilz' howto's for using 32-bit Firefox instead are another alternative, but if you want to get it working in 64-bit Firefox, here's the thread:
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=341727
Regarding Java, I have long had Java working just fine in 64-bit Firefox. It's been so long I don't even remember how I did it or where the instructions are.

[ghandi69_]

Originally Posted by Kilz Some people think they are when they use a restore disk. But in reality they are using a ghost image of a system set up by the computer manufacturer with all the problems, bugs, and drivers already worked out for them. I remember trying to install Windows on a computer that didnt have a restore disk once. It was a total nightmare. Hunting down the hardware that was in it, then all the drivers. Lucky I had another functional computer to do it.

I'm going to have to disagree with you here. I've built my own computer for a while now and have been installing free version of XP Pro the university gives to the students (Vista just became available... free of charge, although I dont plan on using it thanks to ubuntu)

Anyway, I've installed a non restore disk for XP pro dozens of times without any of the problems you mentioned.

[Kilz]

Originally Posted by ghandi69_ I'm going to have to disagree with you here. I've built my own computer for a while now and have been installing free version of XP Pro the university gives to the students (Vista just became available... free of charge, although I dont plan on using it thanks to ubuntu) Anyway, I've installed a non restore disk for XP pro dozens of times without any of the problems you mentioned.

It all depends on what you install it on. I used a windows 2000 disk on an old compaq. It was a nightmare.

[Lil_Eagle]

Yeah, what I remember most about installing windoze was:

1) Trying to read the tiny little letters and number on the sticker stuck on the back of the PC so I could then type the random 25 characters into the computer. Otherwise it wouldn't install.

2) Hunting for all of the driver and application CDs. (Where did I put that damn disc?)

3) Having to wait every time it booted to update the anti-virus and nagging me to upgrade to the pro version of the firewall.

What I worry about now? How can I break the computer now so I can learn more about Linux. Seems the only way I learn is for things to be broken and have to fix them. Do I hear someone calling in the background "install feisty!"?

The problems with the 64-bit are nothing compared to the problems you have daily with windoze. If you really want to compare the 32-bit to the 64-bit, the best way is to install them both! Then do your own tests. If you're like me, you'll find that the 32-bit version works better "out of the box" but still needs tweaking. The 64-bit version needs more tweaking, but it "feels right".

[#Reistlehr-]

after a while, you get used to windows, cause i could find any drivers i need in under 10 minutes for 64-bit windows, and i cant get half my stuff installed on nix lol..

i never want to have ms on a home computer again, but it honestly makes everything so much easier... im just used to it i guess.

[Kilz]

Originally Posted by #Reistlehr- after a while, you get used to windows, cause i could find any drivers i need in under 10 minutes for 64-bit windows, and i cant get half my stuff installed on nix lol.. i never want to have ms on a home computer again, but it honestly makes everything so much easier... im just used to it i guess.

What you said is correct "after a while, you get used to windows". People sometimes forget that at one time they had problems with Windows and everything was hard. Then over time they learned how to do things and where to find the things they needed.
When switching to Ubuntu or any other Linux distro, it takes time. You have to learn a lot, just like you did with Windows. I dont remember exactly how long it took to get everything setup on my first install. It must have took a week or so. But now after almost a year I know a lot more. I setup my brothers comp in 2 hours.

[#Reistlehr-]

Originally Posted by Kilz What you said is correct "after a while, you get used to windows". People sometimes forget that at one time they had problems with Windows and everything was hard. Then over time they learned how to do things and where to find the things they needed. When switching to Ubuntu or any other Linux distro, it takes time. You have to learn a lot, just like you did with Windows. I dont remember exactly how long it took to get everything setup on my first install. It must have took a week or so. But now after almost a year I know a lot more. I setup my brothers comp in 2 hours.

i consider myself an average user, tis being my third day using linux. i guess i cause problems on purpose, just so i can learn. i did the same thing with windows.

like yesturday, beryl+aiglx+nvidia were set up, but i couldnt remember how, so i put the image back on, so i could go back and figure it out (although i kind of regret it now lol )

[rsambuca]

I have both installed on my system, and frankly, I don't know where this "speed boost" people are talking about is. Realistically, unless you are doing some heavy video transcoding or large image manipulation, you won't notice much of a difference other than a few milliseconds here, maybe a few seconds there. Not a big deal for most users.

[nesf]

Originally Posted by #Reistlehr- i guess i cause problems on purpose, just so i can learn. i did the same thing with windows.

That's the best way to get to grips with any OS imho.