64 bit vs. 32 bit Ubuntu

[VeeDubb]

...does anyone know why Ubuntu still recommends 32-bit for 64-bit machines on the download page?

Yes, but not for long. The Ubuntu team has continued to recommend 32 bit, but they have announced that 64bit will be recommended as default starting with the next release (12.04).

IMO, this is well overdue, and the ubuntu devs have been far to hesitant to make 64 the default. They should have switched to listing both with equal prominence and suggesting that users choose based on their hardware a couple of years ago.

[coyote2]

I have been sticking with 32 bits ubuntu for some old hardwares. Took me a long time to sort out which hardwares like tv tuner cards, tv tuner usb dongle, webcam are linux friendly. So far so good. And as many suggested here... I don't have much special application to fully make use of more than 4G rams. And I have like 6 ubuntu rigs to maintain in 2 sites with some rig having as low as 512MB ram... so using 32 bits as it is to minimize maintenance effort.

Pentium D 2.8GHz, AMD windsor X2 3600 are the old cpu, but both should be 64bits, if memory serve me right... will see how 12.04 goes.

Ubuntu 11.10 has been disappointing as usual, lots of unpolished bugs from released till now...

[JoojiSan]

My processor is AMD E-300 apu with HD Radeon and 2GB RAM.
Which version will You recommended to install 32bits or 64bits?

I read somewhere in the forum, if my RAM is more than 3GB it will be better 64bit,
if my RAM is 1GB I need 32bits, but in my case, with 2GB, will it better 64bits?
At the system monitors shows CPU1 and CPU2 working normaly in 20-30% Ubuntu 11.10 and if there is any operation going up to 70-95%, but the RAM never go up to 50-60%.

[LemursDontExist]

My processor is AMD E-300 apu with HD Radeon and 2GB RAM.
Which version will You recommended to install 32bits or 64bits?

I read somewhere in the forum, if my RAM is more than 3GB it will be better 64bit,
if my RAM is 1GB I need 32bits, but in my case, with 2GB, will it better 64bits?
At the system monitors shows CPU1 and CPU2 working normaly in 20-30% Ubuntu 11.10 and if there is any operation going up to 70-95%, but the RAM never go up to 50-60%.

64-bit should be slightly faster for some operations, and unless you're short on ram is probably the better choice. That said, the differences are actually pretty minimal - if you already have the machine running with the 32-bit OS, I'm not sure I'd bother taking the time to change.

[Sarys]

So I have laptop (Emachines e725) and it came with 64 bit win 7.
But now I dual-booted it with Ubuntu but it is 32 bit. So should I try to get 64 bit Ubuntu?

[VeeDubb]

Yes. You should get 64 bit. There really is no reason for anybody with a computer made in the last several years to be using 32bit.

[Sarys]

Yes. You should get 64 bit. There really is no reason for anybody with a computer made in the last several years to be using 32bit.

Okay but how exactly do I burn it to the cd?

[levlaz]

Okay but how exactly do I burn it to the cd?

If you're currently on an Ubuntu machine download the .iso from the Ubuntu website and use Brasero disk burner (which should be installed) to burn the image to a CD.

[Ravi5kumar]

32-bit is best..

[Sarys]

32-bit is best..

Explain.