[Novalug] 64bit vs 32bit

[Ken Kauffman]

This isn't 100% true.  If you do a tremendous amount of multitasking, you
may need more RAM than 4Gb.  So you'll need 64 bit to take advantage of all
the memory above 3.5 Gb.  For instance, I run 8Gb on my desktop for
multitasking reasons.

Also, keep in mind that Linux will leave applications in memory even after
they are closed -- unless -- it's "released" and another process needs to
claim that space.  So you'll get a "virtual" speed up of frequently used
programs if you open/close a lot but do not multitask as much.

Ken

On Sun, Apr 13, 2008 at 2:28 PM, James Ewing Cottrell 3rd <
JECottrell3 at comcast.net> wrote:

> I have six computers in my home. One is a 64 bit, and I think my
> daughter's may be too.
>
> Any computer I buy from now on will be 64 bit.
>
> But unless you are running processes that need large address spaces (some
> gene mapping applications really NEED 64 bit virtual address spaces, I don't
> really see the need. I did download and install a few 64 bit Linuxi, but for
> simplicity I will probably just run 32 distros unless I want to mirror the
> 64 bit environment I have at work.
>
> At some point 64 bits will be more common than not and I will use 64 bits
> whenever I can, but for now, the complexity (there are both 32 bit and 64
> libraries) isn't worth it other than getting experience in the 64 bit
> environment.
>
> To give you an example, some of the plugins for FireFox only work in 32
> bit mode. The solution is to remove the 64 bit version and install the 32
> bit version. Other applications may also need to be downgraded in this way.
>
> In other words, I'll do what is easiest.
>
> JIM
>
> Ivan wrote:
>
> > Ivan Makfinsky wrote:
> >
> > > novalug-request at calypso.tux.org wrote:
> > >
> > > > Message: 1
> > > > Date: Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:03:28 -0400
> > > > From: William Warren <hescominsoon at emmanuelcomputerconsulting.com>
> > > > Subject: Re: [Novalug] 64bit vs 32bit (was FOSE wrapup)
> > > > To: novalug at calypso.tux.org
> > > > Message-ID: <47F65150.7010208 at emmanuelcomputerconsulting.com>
> > > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
> > > >
> > > > That's not a 64-bit issue..that's a VT issue which is different from
> > > > 64 bit.
> > > >
> > > > Richard Rognlie wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > On Fri, Apr 04, 2008 at 09:24:24AM -0400, Pete Nuwayser wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > > I agree with Greg:  a 64-bit OS will not run on 32-bit
> > > > > > architecture,
> > > > > > but 32-bit OS will run on 64-bit architecture.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > And to further complicate matters, there are times when a 64bit
> > > > > CPU can
> > > > > not accept a 64bit OS.
> > > > >
> > > > > I ran into this with VMware. Dell 1850 server.   64bit CPU.  64bit
> > > > > OS on the box.
> > > > >
> > > > > But I am unable to install a 64bit "guest" OS on the box due to
> > > > > the
> > > > > CPU lacking the "VT" (virtualization technology) flag.
> > > > >
> > > > > Had to get a 1950 to get the CPU upgrade...
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > In order to determine whether or not you can run a 64bit OS on a
> > certain CPU, look for the following:
> >
> > $ cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep flags
> > flags           : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge
> > mca cmov pat pse36 clflush mmx fxsr sse sse2 syscall nx mmxext ~~~~lm~~~~~
> > 3dnowext 3dnow rep_good
> > flags           : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge
> > mca cmov pat pse36 clflush mmx fxsr sse sse2 syscall nx mmxext ~~~~lm~~~~~
> > 3dnowext 3dnow rep_good
> >
> > "lm" - Long mode, indicates the CPU is 64 bit capable.
> >
> > - Ivan
> >
> >
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> >
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