[clue-tech] 64-bit software use

[Ken MacFerrin]

bof wrote:
> Hello,
> 
> Well, I finally broke down today and, after seven years, bought a new 
> laptop with a AMD Turion (64-bit) chip in it.
> 
> I have some questions on 64-bit software and its use.
> 
> Most of my computer use is for web-browsing, email, writing, and some 
> small programming and databasing. Would it benefit me to run a 64-bit OS 
> and software? I am currently using Fedora Core 5, and would continue to 
> do so in its 64-bit version.
> 
> What about running 32-bit programs under a 64-bit OS if I can't find a 
> 64-bit version of the program. Would this create problems?
> 
> Any other advice on the pros and cons of using 64-bit software?
> 

My understanding (which is limited here) is that you will certainly see 
a benefit from running a 64-bit kernel when the application you are 
using also supports 64-bit.  32-bit applications on the other hand do 
not run natively on 64-bit systems yet and will require emulation 
libraries or setting up a 32-bit chroot environment to work.

 From reading a recent Linux Journal article (not first hand knowledge 
here), Suse 10's 64-bit version is more polished than either Ubuntu's or 
Fedora's and includes nice things such as working Java and Flash out of 
the box.

What I can say with first hand experience is that 64-bit Gentoo does 
require bit more tweaking to build a fully functional desktop system 
with things such as flash, java, mplayer and nvidia drivers.. but if you 
run Gentoo you're used to that anyway :)
-Ken