Taking the 64 bit Plunge

25 May

Posted by Hugh and tagged with: , 64 bit, Linux, Technology, Ubuntu, upgrade, Windows

Yesterday I reinstalled a fresh copy of Ubuntu onto my PC due to it being an upgraded version from the Beta. I decided that I would go down the 64 bit route. I’ve heard of many stories about people having trouble what with lack of drivers and programs etc. I was prepared for hassle but after less than 15 minutes I had a fully up and running version of Ubuntu as usual. I had already tested out some potentially problematic things on the Live CD such as installing the drivers for my webcam and to get Skype up and running. Both were flawless, so I pressed on with the installation. Now I am writing from my new 64 bit os with it up to almost exactly the same state it was in before the install. (The same programs and files.) The only thing I can say is: what is the big deal? I’ve had absolutely no problems relating to 64 bit.

Why don’t more people use their hardware to it’s full potential and use 64 bit? Perhaps in the Windows world it isn’t as easy?

4 Responses

Kaweh
27|May|2008 1

And the whole point of 64 bit is?

Yunnuen
28|May|2008 2

Hmmm Not sure about 64bits but as fas as i know uses more memory or that’s what i believe. What’s new with the new ubuntu?

Hugh
28|May|2008 3

Yes Yun, you are correct. It does use slightly more memory but it still rarely goes above 50% of my 1.5 GB RAM!

Kaweh, basically when working with more processor intensive tasks, such as video editing or AutoCAD the computer is quicker and more responsive. For normal everyday tasks it doesn’t make a huge amount of difference. In the future 64bit programs will be the norm as there is a bug in the way Unix/Linux machines handle dates. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_2038_problem So it is best to get used to 64 bit sooner rather than later. Also most web servers are running on 64 bit I believe.