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Thread ID: 77482	2007-03-11 08:35:00	Linux advice - 32 or 64 (using Mepis)	Brooko (8444)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
531950	2007-03-11 08:35:00	Hello to all. First post - although I'm a long time PC World viewer/reader. I've just started using linux (still dual booting with XP at the moment) & after trying Kunbuntu, Suse 10.2 and Mepis - have decided on Mepis as my start point into the linux world. I've been using Mepis 64bit 6.5 b4 for the past 3 weeks now and hoping to eventually switch entirely. Apart from the normal hiccups learning a new OS, and having some fun with configuration, it's actually been a pretty enjoyable experience. I'm running a Pentium D 2.8 with 1.5Gb RAM, 7900GS, and 2 Seagate 80Gb HDDs. Mepis should be releasing their stable version of 6.5 for both 32 & 64bit some time this month (they are currently at RC1). I am going to reinstall - so hence my question. Just looking for opinions please - At this moment in time, are there advantages in running 64bit rather than 32bit, and do these advantages outweigh some of the compatability / configuration issues? Being new to linux, I'd appreciate any views / experiences you may have. I have googled both Mepis and the wider web - but would value your opinions also. Thanks.	Brooko (8444)
531951	2007-03-11 08:42:00	I'm not sure if the Pentium D can take advantage of 64bit OSs and apps. It will also depend on how many 64bit apps you plan to run. Basically, you'll get no advantage from 64bit unless you're using 64bit apps, which are still few and far between and unless you have some apps specifically in mind, 32bit should be fine.	Murray P (44)
531952	2007-03-11 08:54:00	Thanks for input Murray. Am pretty sure the Pentium D 2.8 (dual core) can take advantage of 64bit. As far as apps go - not really sure - hence the question. Because the apps in linux are different (and I'm pretty much learning) and there seem to be more and more 64bit becoming available - I wasn't sure which way to go. My thought was that 64bit (taking advantage of the processor's ability to handle it) would be faster / better to run with in long term?	Brooko (8444)
531953	2007-03-11 12:13:00	I fit _does_ support 64-bit (Check by throwing your mobo details into google, followed by the words '64-bit linux' to find out for certain) then GO FOR IT! Linux has been a stable on the 64-bit side of the scales for yonks now! The speed increase is so worth it IMO, and definitely noticeable also :) In terms of configuration / compatibility issues, Linux is mostly less-plagued by them because all the drivers in the kernel are open-source so much more quickly adapted for 64-bit. The 64-bit hardware support is also far greater than XP or dare I even say Vista! On top of that, if you want to run 32-bit applications (Like UnrealTournament 2004 for example) then you still can, with no performance loss. There is only two issues that you might face: 1) Video codecs - You might need a 32-bit version of gmplayer or something to be able to play certain WMV files etc - The codecs themselves arent opensource so only 32-bit stuff seems to work 2) Adobe Flash - Again, not open-source, although wrappers do exist that overcome the issues with installing 32-bit plugins into your 64-bit browsers! Ive been a 64-bit linux user for a good 2+ years now... highly recommend you 'join the club' ;) Hope this helps Chill.	Chilling_Silence (9)
531954	2007-03-11 20:45:00	Hi Chill. Many thanks for the advice - just what I was looking for. Yes - have checked further - and definitely 64-bit capable MOBO and Processor. So will clean install Mepis 6.5 64-bit when it 'finals' this month. In case anyone else stumbles on this thread, and is looking to have a go at Linux - can thoroughly recommend Mepis. Comes as live CD & can also install permanent from CD if you decide you like it. As a long time Windows user, the KDE environment is 'win-like' enough to make it comfortable. If you're prepared to put in some time & a lot of research/reading - then results (so far) have been rewarding. I found that Mepis picked up all my hardware very well. Only problem I had was ATI X800 GTO2 drivers. Tried almost everything & in the end replaced the card with an Nvidia 7900GS & now no issues. Hope this helps anyone else considering the switch. Again - thanks Chill - appreciate the assistance.	Brooko (8444)
531955	2007-03-12 04:42:00	Chill... info please on Adobe Flash wrapper for Firefox64!!! I've had Ubuntu Edgy 64 running for a little while, and the only info I can find to make Flash work is to run Firefox32 with all the associated dependencies and such. If I wanted to install a pile of 32-bit dependencies, I would have just gone and installed Edgy 32-bit :\ Any info you have would be mighty helpful :)	Antmannz (6583)
531956	2007-03-12 10:41:00	Google will be your friend, you're looking for "nspluginwrapper" www.google.co.nz Happy to help, any time :) Chill.	Chilling_Silence (9)
531957	2007-03-12 11:12:00	Chill - had to advise update. Just installed Mepis 6.5 RC1 (64 bit). Went without a hitch - even smoother than last time. Also - everything does seem really quick - but could just be wishful thinking. Nvidia driver included with live CD so no need to configure. Also included is Beryl. Having a play now. Quite blown away. Thanks again for your advice :)	Brooko (8444)
531958	2007-03-12 11:35:00	Beryl looks cool! Post back your findings, eager to know.. Personally I prefer plain-and-simple ;)	Chilling_Silence (9)
531959	2007-03-12 11:50:00	Chill - had to advise update. Just installed Mepis 6.5 RC1 (64 bit). Went without a hitch - even smoother than last time. Also - everything does seem really quick - but could just be wishful thinking. Nvidia driver included with live CD so no need to configure. Also included is Beryl. Having a play now. Quite blown away. Thanks again for your advice :) Good stuff Brooko. As a Mepis user and fan, on and off since it first came out, I'd also be interested in an update on your experiences with the 64bit version. From Chill's advice and your experience, it looks like the way to go, with Open Sauce at least. :thumbs:	Murray P (44)
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