32bit on 64bit architecture

[71CH]

Hi
I know there are a lot of discussions on 32 bit vs 64 bit but I couldn't really find an answer to my question. I was wondering if I run 32bit does that mean that I'm not using my computer to its fullest potential? I hope this question makes sense. Thanks for any help.

[tamoneya]

it wont run at its full potential but you should be fine. Generally what I recommend is that you run 32 bit unless you have 4GB or more of RAM in which case you should try 64. I think it just isnt worth the extra work unless you are hitting the 3.2GB limit in 32 bit OS with a standard kernel.

[quelx]

Pros and cons

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/32bit_and_64bit

[drsaamah]

I would agree tamoneya. i ran 32bit when I first got this computer and it worked just fine. i only switched to 64 bit because I had 4 gigs of ram and wanted to put it to good use.

[71CH]

I have a R61 that looks similar to your T61. Are you running 32bit? And when you say that it won't run at its full potential does that mean it'll be slower? I'm currently running 64bit and can't get certain programs like Floola to work so I'm thinking of going back to 32 bit.

[tamoneya]

I run 64 bit on the T61 and the only problems I run into are with flash which is a little tricky but definately doable. Search the forums and you should be all set. While I only have 2GB of RAM i still installed 64 bit because I am thinking about upgrading to 4 GB and I also have a 64 bit install on my other computer already so I already knew how to solve a lot of the 64 bit problems.