How many people actually take advantage of their 64bit processor?

[viciouslime]

I couldn't find a similar poll to this, apologies if there is one. I was just interested in how mnay people actually use their cpu to its "full potential". I have a 64bit cpu in both my laptop and desktop, but use only 32bit OSs. I am just installing 64bit feisty on my macbook as I type this. If it isn't too difficult to get things like flash going I might just keep it...

[spinflick]

I have 64bit cpu and run Edgy64 but haven't managed to work out flash yet.

[Mateo]

so, what are the advantages anyways. I don't want to buy a 64 bit because i think you have to have different software (don't understand why), and there is not nearly as much software.

[igknighted]

so, what are the advantages anyways. I don't want to buy a 64 bit because i think you have to have different software (don't understand why), and there is not nearly as much software.

64bit processors are the same architecture as 32 bit, but with extra capabilities added on. Just as an i686, i486, etc. processor runs i386 Ubuntu, so does x86_64 (amd64). It also has the capability to run x86_64.

[Mateo]

64bit processors are the same architecture as 32 bit, but with extra capabilities added on. Just as an i686, i486, etc. processor runs i386 Ubuntu, so does x86_64 (amd64). It also has the capability to run x86_64.

What are these "added capabilities"?

[igknighted]

What are these "added capabilities"?

The "extra capabilities" are the ability to handle twice as complex instructions. (64bit vs. 32bit). Its not really "power" as a lot of people say, but rather the processor can handle more complex tasks without breaking them apart (well, since 32bit is normal, I guess it would be more appropriate to say that 64bit compiled apps combine instructions into one more complex one... same difference tho). The point I was making above was that while an amd64 chip takes the same instructions as the x86 chip, it has the capability to receive more complex instructions. By using 32bit the computer will only send it the simpler instructions, but it is perfectly capable, so there is no "incompatability".

[misfitpierce]

I like the 64 bit personally. Support is catching up program wise now in this day and time because ppl are starting to realize they have the hardware for it. I've noticed performance increases while doing some tasks on computer and copying music to computer from a disc. It just seems to hit faster and I like that.

[M$LOL]

I have 64bit cpu and run Edgy64 but haven't managed to work out flash yet.

See Kilz' howto for flash with 32 bit FF.

I'm using 64 bit Edgy on a Core 2 Duo, and it couldn't be better.

[wesley_of_course]

Wesley here ;

See Kilz' howto for flash with 32 bit FF.

I'm using 64 bit Edgy on a Core 2 Duo, and it couldn't be better.

Simple 64 is in Synaptic Package Manager , Cheers !

[lukew]

I couldn't find a similar poll to this, apologies if there is one. I was just interested in how mnay people actually use their cpu to its "full potential". I have a 64bit cpu in both my laptop and desktop, but use only 32bit OSs. I am just installing 64bit feisty on my macbook as I type this. If it isn't too difficult to get things like flash going I might just keep it...

I tried but lack of completeness for 64 bit packages especially codecs drove me back to 32 bit.

chroot seemed like too much effort.