How are you going to deal with 64bit?

Is this team going to attempt to push all new users to use the 32bit version, spread FUD, and scare them into running an operating system not specifically designed for their hardware?

I think Ubuntu as of the Feisty Fawn version is mature enough to suggest to new users to use the AMD64 CPU if their CPU is compatible.

If everyone keeps saying "get the 32bit version its easier, better, whatever" or "you won't see any difference" we won't see many 64bit users which is a shame as almost 100% of the PCs sold today are 64bit ready.

Please, if you have a 64bit CPU download and try for yourself.

Well it looks to me that its going to be the FUD not FACT rout. http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=3319403#post3319403

I was skeptical of Ubuntu's 64bit implementation for a long time, but I must say I am very impressed with where it is at now and have no problem recommending it for those with 64bit hardware (I'm running 64bit gutsy at the moment in fact and it has been easy as pie)

Kilz said: Is this team going to attempt to push all new users to use the 32bit version, spread FUD, and scare them into running an operating system not specifically designed for their hardware?

Kilz said: Well it looks to me that its going to be the FUD not FACT rout.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=3319403#post3319403

Well, to be honest, we do not have an "official" beginners team policy on 32 vs 64 bit.

I personally have no experience with the 64 bit version and as such refer posters to the 64-bit sub-forum.

I have reviewed the thread you have linked here and I think you are being a little heavy handed. madmetal is not trolling and I would appreciate a more educational approach ...

Specifically, I admit I am not current with 64 bit, but I know there was a time in the not so far past when it was commonly advised to new users to start with the 32 bit version so I do not think madmetal's advice is either out of line of FUD.

Accurate information is appreciated by all of us, as are friendly interactions.

So, if you would be so kind, please educate me and the Beginners team and correct us when we make a mistake. I think you will find broad support from the team.

bodhi.zazen said:

Specifically, I admit I am not current with 64 bit, but I know there was a time in the not so far past when it was commonly advised to new users to start with the 32 bit version so I do not think madmetal's advice is either out of line of FUD.

Because it was commonly advised in the past, however distant or recent, does not mean that it should be currently applied.

rsambuca said: Because it was commonly advised in the past, however distant or recent, does not mean that it should be currently applied.

I am not saying it should either, but I am saying Kilz is being a little heavy handed as that was the advice of the past and it is his responsibility to provide accurate information here and I think there is a better means of communication.

EDIT: Clarification: because it was advised in the past, IMO, it is inappropriate to say that madmetal is spreading FUD. He does not have the most up to date information is all and I am asking the 64 bit users to use less inflammatory methods of communication.

bodhi.zazen said: I am not saying it should either, but I am saying Kilz is being a little heavy handed as that was the advice of the past and it is his responsibility to provide accurate information here and I think there is a better means of communication.

IMHO there is no real way to have a definitive beginners team policy on 32 vs 64 bit, As each enduser/teammember will run the architecture they are use to, and the architecture they want to for their own reasons.

Also as it currently seems the 64bit section of the forum is not only seeing veteran 32bit users converting to 64bit but also users new to Linux/Ubuntu in general trying to install 64 bit. There should at least be some way for the beginners team to enlighten those would be users of 64bit Ubuntu to some of the benefits, As well as the draw backs if any.

@bodhi.zazen I included a link to the sticky thread that has a list of threads that debated most of the known issues on 64bit ubuntu. Which now seems to been worked out via scripts, and other guides, and at least in gutsy through synaptic. This might be of some help to the beginners team. http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=368607

In the end educating users not versed in 64bit or Linux/Ubuntu in general should be possible without hurting users feelings who may chime in on that topic, and make suggestions that might not be correct.

SD-Plissken said: @bodhi.zazen I included a link to the sticky thread that has a list of threads that debated most of the known issues on 64bit ubuntu. Which now seems to been worked out via scripts, and other guides, and at least in gutsy through synaptic. This might be of some help to the beginners team. http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=368607

In the end educating users not versed in 64bit or Linux/Ubuntu in general should be possible without hurting users feelings who may chime in on that topic, and make suggestions that might not be correct.

Thanks for the link, I have book marked it for reference. Very educational.

bodhi.zazen said: I am not saying it should either, but I am saying Kilz is being a little heavy handed as that was the advice of the past and it is his responsibility to provide accurate information here and I think there is a better means of communication.

EDIT: Clarification: because it was advised in the past, IMO, it is inappropriate to say that madmetal is spreading FUD. He does not have the most up to date information is all and I am asking the 64 bit users to use less inflammatory methods of communication.

Please provide a link to the official statement from Ubuntu or Canonical that new users should run the 32bit version. After all if it was advised in the past, it should be on an official page, right?

You dont see FUD? You dont see that the new user was in the 64bit section asking not what version they should run, but if wubi supported amd64. You dont see that suggesting it would be easier for a new user to install another application (3d desktop) they were interested in if they only would just install the 32bit version was not playing on the Fear of not being able to install the application, Uncertainty that they would get it running, and Doubt all new users have?

Kilz said: Please provide a link to the official statement from Ubuntu or Canonical that new users should run the 32bit version. After all if it was advised in the past, it should be on an official page, right?

Now you are ranting ... Advised in the past meaning I too have seen new users advised to start with the 32 bit version on 64 bit machines. Obviously not all advice on the forums is somehow an "official statement from Ubuntu or Canonical". I think the advice was reasonable as there was a time when one had to set a chroot to run apps that were not available on 64 bit versions of Ubuntu, Firefox being what I recall as problematic. If this is no longer true \o/

[*]If it was advised in the past, well that means it may yet be accurate for previous versions of Ubuntu.[*]If it was advised in the past, and is no longer accurate, then it is outdated information.

• Outdated information is not FUD.

You dont see FUD? You dont see that the new user was in the 64bit section asking not what version they should run, but if wubi supported amd64. You dont see that suggesting it would be easier for a new user to install another application (3d desktop) they were interested in if they only would just install the 32bit version was not playing on the Fear of not being able to install the application, Uncertainty that they would get it running, and Doubt all new users have?

As I stated above, I do not see madmetal's post as FUD, it is at worst outdated and possibly accurate for some version of Ubuntu.

I can see you are quite passionate about the issue though :)

What I am asking is for you to be aware of the Ubuntu Code of Conduct :

http://www.ubuntu.com/community/conduct

IMO you posts are calling the information posted by madmetal "lies" and "FUD" is out of line.As I am a member of the Beginners Team I will ask for another mod to render an opinion on the issue.

Kilz said: Please provide a link to the official statement from Ubuntu or Canonical that new users should run the 32bit version. After all if it was advised in the past, it should be on an official page, right?

You dont see FUD? You dont see that the new user was in the 64bit section asking not what version they should run, but if wubi supported amd64. You dont see that suggesting it would be easier for a new user to install another application (3d desktop) they were interested in if they only would just install the 32bit version was not playing on the Fear of not being able to install the application, Uncertainty that they would get it running, and Doubt all new users have?

Kilz, I understand your frustration. 64 bit computing IS the future, It is more capable than 32 bit computing, and in reality there is very little that the end user will find missing.

That said, the beginners team is a tool. So far as I know, there has never been any conversation to set any policy regarding recommending 64bit or not. While I am inclined to agree with you, I think a much more appropriate course of action would be to provide links to the team with some basic info and how-tos for simple things like flash (many on this team have never tried to use nspluginwrapper I am sure). Yes, it was a lack of foresight that we don't have a clear policy regarding recommending 32 or 64 bit, but you are the expert on 64 bit Ubuntu. Let us know how easy it is so we can pass it on to the people we help, theres no need for insults or accusations of FUD.

igknighted I posted a link to the relevant thread in post number eight of this thread. With in that sticky thread is a nearly complete list of known methods for installing flash/java/codecs under 64bit ubuntu, As well as all known debates regarding the issue of 32bit vs 64bit.

Heres the link again http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=368607

IMO this is more of a frustration then anything, As it seems the 64bit section is getting more beginners, and it seems those who are new to 64bit come to it with misinformation, and the beleif that it's not ready for xyz use.

Thus users versed in 64bit are left the job of educating the new users of 64bit, and in the process it seems to lead to certain issues or arguments of 64bit being for person A vs B. While at the same time placing an emphasis on 64bit not being ready yet.

In the end there needs to be some consensus among the beginners team, and those members who support, and use 64bit ubuntu as their only OS on dealing with users spreading misinformation.

Side note: Maybe there should be a 64bit team put in place, As the issue can not rest at the feet of the beginners team only...

bodhi.zazen said: Now you are ranting ... Advised in the past meaning I too have seen new users advised to start with the 32 bit version on 64 bit machines. Obviously not all advice on the forums is somehow an "official statement from Ubuntu or Canonical". I think the advice was reasonable as there was a time when one had to set a chroot to run apps that were not available on 64 bit versions of Ubuntu, Firefox being what I recall as problematic. If this is no longer true \o/

[*]If it was advised in the past, well that means it may yet be accurate for previous versions of Ubuntu.[*]If it was advised in the past, and is no longer accurate, then it is outdated information.

• Outdated information is not FUD.

As I stated above, I do not see madmetal's post as FUD, it is at worst outdated and possibly accurate for some version of Ubuntu.

I can see you are quite passionate about the issue though :)

What I am asking is for you to be aware of the Ubuntu Code of Conduct :

http://www.ubuntu.com/community/conduct

IMO you posts are calling the information posted by madmetal "lies" and "FUD" is out of line.As I am a member of the Beginners Team I will ask for another mod to render an opinion on the issue.

No, I wasn't ranting. I wanted some proof that it was advised was official. If it wasn't, then there is no way we can rely on it, or have information that he knew what that was. What it appears to me is that you are looking into the past to find an out for bad actions today. Now instead of posting that information to back yourself up, you choose to threaten me.

Yes Im quite passionate about misinformation and FUD being told to new users. I am surprised you are not.

Edit: After reading the code of conduct I see no section that says we should ignore problems and not speak about them. I do see a section on personal attacks, but asking about the actions of another is not a personal attack imho. I see no section that says that questions about what has happened on the forum is out of bounds. In fact there is a sections "When you disagree, consult others" and "When you are unsure, ask for help" that say I should bring it to the appropriate place, since it deals with new users and a member of your team, is there a better place? Do you read the code of conduct as a way to stop people discussing a problem?

bodhi.zazen said:

[*]If it was advised in the past, well that means it may yet be accurate for previous versions of Ubuntu.[*]If it was advised in the past, and is no longer accurate, then it is outdated information.

• Outdated information is not FUD..

I don't think this is correct.

Lets say Joomla 1.0.5 has a serious security problem.

• advise not to use Joomla 1.0.5 right now -accurate and correct
• one year later generally advise "Joomla is not secure software" - wrong and FUD.

Yes, back in the Dapper days even I suggested that new users download and use the 32bit version. But in Feisty everything runs smooth and faster.

So I think that having the beginner team saying to use 32bit is not good, especially as this team was formed to help new users.

And yes, it is FUD as saying such things to a new user, he fears that something may not work as well as in the 32bit version, he feels uncertain about what he should choose and the pros and cons as well as doubts if the 64bit version if for him and if all the software works on amd64 platform.

I believe the proper answer should be "post in the x64 forum, there are people with experience in the amd64 version that can answer your questions".

Who cares if it was FUD or not it has now be taken care of. Last time I checked nobody was perfect anyway. So madmetal went by what he thought was the right thing to do. Its lack of information and knowledge. I personally didn't know that it was getting easier to install some of the problematic apps of the past.

Maybe when new information like that comes out let the Beginner's Team know so we can advise people on what to do. Then we can pass it on to the people on the team that are 64-bit users and spend time in that section of the forum. I think what I am trying to say is that we need communication not fighting or arguing. We are all adults here for the most part so why don't we act like them.

Thanks SD-Plissken for the links I have bookmarked those.

afonic said: I don't think this is correct.

Lets say Joomla 1.0.5 has a serious security problem.

• advise not to use Joomla 1.0.5 right now -accurate and correct
• one year later generally advise "Joomla is not secure software" - wrong and FUD.

Yes, back in the Dapper days even I suggested that new users download and use the 32bit version. But in Feisty everything runs smooth and faster.

So I think that having the beginner team saying to use 32bit is not good, especially as this team was formed to help new users.

And yes, it is FUD as saying such things to a new user, he fears that something may not work as well as in the 32bit version, he feels uncertain about what he should choose and the pros and cons as well as doubts if the 64bit version if for him and if all the software works on amd64 platform.

I believe the proper answer should be "post in the x64 forum, there are people with experience in the amd64 version that can answer your questions".

After reading your post I did a little searching. this post I found may go along with what you said. That there was knowledge that Feisty did not have the past problems.

Seisen said: Who cares if it was FUD or not it has now be taken care of. Last time I checked nobody was perfect anyway. So madmetal went by what he thought was the right thing to do. Its lack of information and knowledge. I personally didn't know that it was getting easier to install some of the problematic apps of the past.

Maybe when new information like that comes out let the Beginner's Team know so we can advise people on what to do. Then we can pass it on to the people on the team that are 64-bit users and spend time in that section of the forum. I think what I am trying to say is that we need communication not fighting or arguing. We are all adults here for the most part so why don't we act like them.

Thanks SD-Plissken for the links I have bookmarked those.

Ok, after reading your post I am getting this idea that you (and maybe others) think that its an attack on madmetal. Please believe me that isnt the case from my point of view. The title of this topic is "How are you going to deal with 64bit?". What madmetal did only shows to me that there is a problem, one I would like to see avoided in the future. Thats my sole purpose here. Not to see someone in trouble, but that policy is made that stops the problem from happening again. But what I am seeing is that some people dont even see the problem. That excuses are being made that I fear will be used again if FUD is told to new users. So I feel I have had to ask and point out the problem in hopes that the problem is seen so it can be prevented from being repeated.

I think its your choice of words and the way that is coming across is what the problem is. I am not trying to attack you but we can only grasp the context of the words used and how they are written. Maybe taking a different approach to the situtation and saying something like this.

Hey guy's I have noticed that people are recommending 32-bit Ubuntu for 64-bit users. It has become a lot easier to install the problematic packages in 64-bit Ubuntu and it has come a long way from what it was originally.. So could let everybody so that it is okay for people to use 64-bit Ubuntu.

There's little reason to use 64bit unless you have an application that requires a large (>2GB) address space. Othewise, the performance of 32bit will be quite close to that of 64bit.

daveshields said: There's little reason to use 64bit unless you have an application that requires a large (>2GB) address space. Othewise, the performance of 32bit will be quite close to that of 64bit.

Open K9Copy and shrink and copy a DVD or open DeVeDe and create a DVD and then talk about performance. Even better try to make a bug tar.gz file or apply some filters on Gimp on big files.

Even the boot time is lower. We have people rebuilding the kernel to optimize it for their CPU and yet other people claim that 64bit Linux for 64bit CPUs makes no difference.

I can still see a small reason in suggesting to people that they use 32 bit if they are extreme beginners. In my personal experience, even though it was (moderately) easily fixed by a quick search of the forums, I had some extra problems when I switched to 64 bit. I also saw *no* performance difference, I'm guessing beacuse of my quite modest ram. (512)

If people are already scared of all the basic problems that are happening in 32 bit, why would you want to add on the extra problems for 64 bit? After they learn to diagnose, to run scripts and search properly for help, they can upgrade to 64 bit. The minor problems are very minor, but...only if you have a vague idea of what your doing.

Anyways, upgrading to 64 bit can be a small project if you have started to learn your way around...kinda fun ;-)

daveshields said: There's little reason to use 64bit unless you have an application that requires a large (>2GB) address space. Othewise, the performance of 32bit will be quite close to that of 64bit.

See this is how it starts. Someone posts what seems to be fact, and when full time users of 64bit technology ask for proof that their statement is fact, and not opinion that is when the warring/etc tends to start.

IMHO if users are going to make statements be it in favor of 32bit or 64bit they should at least state it's their opinion, and if it is factual then include a link to at least give some validity to their statement.

I would like to thank the members (Kilz, rsambuca, and afonic) running the 64 bit version for raising your issues.

Needless to say I strongly disagree with much of what you are saying, but I am not going to debate the issue further.

SD-Plissken has provided very helpful information and I would again thank him for his efforts. I would encourage members of the Beginner Team to read through the link in order to understand the benefits, differences, and disadvantages of 32 vs. 64 versions.

I think SD-Plissken also made the best statement regarding any potential "policy".

SD-Plissken said: IMHO there is no real way to have a definitive beginners team policy on 32 vs 64 bit, As each enduser/teammember will run the architecture they are use to, and the architecture they want to for their own reasons.

I am sorry you feel that FUD has been spread regarding the 64 bit, but as has been pointed out, most of this thread is nothing more then opinions anyways.

Is the 32 bit version problem free ? no. Is the 64 bit version problem free ? no.

Are there advantages to running 64 bit ? yes. Are there advantages to running 32 bit (on a 64 bit arch)? yes.

If you can not see the advantages and disadvantages then I would question your ability to offer the best advice to new users, which is the implicit goal of the Beginner team.

To me the "bottom line" in terms of a policy are :

1. Users are free to run their systems as they choose. We (the beginners team) do not set any policy such as users MUST run the 64 bit version any more then we have a policy that they MUST run the 32 bit version. The 64 bit users have no right to demand that everyone with a 64 bit processor MUST run the 64 version of Ubuntu or that the beginner team can not advise someone to run the 32 bit version. We also do not say you must run Dapper or Edgy or Feisty or Gutsy. We help new users transition to Ubuntu and if you look here it should be clear that I expect [color=red]no flame wars[/color] in this subsection.

1. The beginners team will offer as much assistance as we can, including referring to the 64 bit subsection. It would obviously be helpful if members from the 64 bit community were willing to volunteer with the Beginner Team, otherwise whose fault is it that 64 bit users are under-represented (on the beginner team)?

1. It follows from #1 and #2, the beginners team members are free to advise what they feel is best for the situation, including the suggestion to run 32 bit.

1. If there are members with 64 bit experience that would be willing to assist with the beginners team they would be welcome to do so. HOWEVER, as should be obvious, I do have a different standard of behavior for the Beginning team members and would hold you to those standards. Terms like "FUD" or "lies" are inflammatory and do not help new users. I would expect more respectful language when posting as a member of the beginner team.

In conclusion, this thread is in the Beginners Team sub forums. I do not want or welcome flame wars here. As such I expect you (64 bit users) to use a more respectful tone and avoid inflammatory posts. We, the beginners team, is willing to work with you, but your language, as has been pointed out several times, could stand some improvement.

I find terms like "FUD" and "lies" to be inappropriate and inflammatory to the subject hand. This type of language does not build trust or a working relationship between us, nor does it assist new users better learn to run 64 bit. If you insist on using such language on the Beginner sub forum, or if I see you treating my team members in such a way on the 64 bit forum, I will hand out infractions.

I am leaving this thread open at the moment, but I will close it we can not seem to get back on topic, which would be:

1. How can the beginner team help new 64 bit users.

1. How can the 64 bit users help the beginner team with #1.

bodhi.zazen said: I would like to thank the members (Kilz, rsambuca, and afonic) running the 64 bit version for raising your issues.

Needless to say I strongly disagree with much of what you are saying, but I am not going to debate the issue further.

SD-Plissken has provided very helpful information and I would again thank him for his efforts. I would encourage members of the Beginner Team to read through the link in order to understand the benefits, differences, and disadvantages of 32 vs. 64 versions.

I think SD-Plissken also made the best statement regarding any potential "policy".

I am sorry you feel that FUD has been spread regarding the 64 bit, but as has been pointed out, most of this thread is nothing more then opinions anyways.

Is the 32 bit version problem free ? no. Is the 64 bit version problem free ? no.

Are there advantages to running 64 bit ? yes. Are there advantages to running 32 bit (on a 64 bit arch)? yes.

If you can not see the advantages and disadvantages then I would question your ability to offer the best advice to new users, which is the implicit goal of the Beginner team.

To me the "bottom line" in terms of a policy are :

1. Users are free to run their systems as they choose. We (the beginners team) do not set any policy such as users MUST run the 64 bit version any more then we have a policy that they MUST run the 32 bit version. The 64 bit users have no right to demand that everyone with a 64 bit processor MUST run the 64 version of Ubuntu or that the beginner team can not advise someone to run the 32 bit version. We also do not say you must run Dapper or Edgy or Feisty or Gutsy. We help new users transition to Ubuntu and if you look here it should be clear that I expect [color=red]no flame wars[/color] in this subsection.

1. The beginners team will offer as much assistance as we can, including referring to the 64 bit subsection. It would obviously be helpful if members from the 64 bit community were willing to volunteer with the Beginner Team, otherwise whose fault is it that 64 bit users are under-represented (on the beginner team)?

1. It follows from #1 and #2, the beginners team members are free to advise what they feel is best for the situation, including the suggestion to run 32 bit.

1. If there are members with 64 bit experience that would be willing to assist with the beginners team they would be welcome to do so. HOWEVER, as should be obvious, I do have a different standard of behavior for the Beginning team members and would hold you to those standards. Terms like "FUD" or "lies" are inflammatory and do not help new users. I would expect more respectful language when posting as a member of the beginner team.

In conclusion, this thread is in the Beginners Team sub forums. I do not want or welcome flame wars here. As such I expect you (64 bit users) to use a more respectful tone and avoid inflammatory posts. We, the beginners team, is willing to work with you, but your language, as has been pointed out several times, could stand some improvement.

I find terms like "FUD" and "lies" to be inappropriate and inflammatory to the subject hand. This type of language does not build trust or a working relationship between us, nor does it assist new users better learn to run 64 bit. If you insist on using such language on the Beginner sub forum, or if I see you treating my team members in such a way on the 64 bit forum, I will hand out infractions.

I am leaving this thread open at the moment, but I will close it we can not seem to get back on topic, which would be:

1. How can the beginner team help new 64 bit users.

1. How can the 64 bit users help the beginner team with #1.

Thank you for that. I would love to help you. But I fear that your standards are above what I consider common normal words. Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt is a huge problem. One that is based on bias. One the person may not even recognize as being a problem. That the term for it cant be used will make discussing it even harder. All I hoped for was that when people see someone with the 64bit version asking questions they do not assume what version they should install. Directing them to the 64bit sub forum is a great idea.

Seisen said: I think its your choice of words and the way that is coming across is what the problem is. I am not trying to attack you but we can only grasp the context of the words used and how they are written. Maybe taking a different approach to the situtation and saying something like this.

I am who I am. I write as I think and talk. While I may be blunt, I believe in the truth. I dont think writing like that would be me, and I like who I am.

afonic said: Open K9Copy and shrink and copy a DVD or open DeVeDe and create a DVD and then talk about performance. Even better try to make a bug tar.gz file or apply some filters on Gimp on big files.

Even the boot time is lower. We have people rebuilding the kernel to optimize it for their CPU and yet other people claim that 64bit Linux for 64bit CPUs makes no difference. OK, according to your list the only advantage a normal user would see is a slightly quicker boot time.

I've no idea if this is helpful, but I'm a newbie (been using Ubuntu for about 6 weeks and it's my first experience with linux). So here's my experience.

• I had a new processor. I wanted to know whether to use the 32 or 64 bit version.

• I did some searches on the forum and rapidly found a number of helpful stickies in the 64 bit forum discussing the differences and difficulties. They seemed minimal.

• On that basis, I decided to start with 64 bit and see if it caused difficulties.

It didn't. I knew I was going to end up using a 32 bit browser to get java/flash. All the other apps I was interested in existed for 64 bit.

So far I've had a few minor problems and none that I have any reason to believe are 64 bit specific.

It is a source of amazement to me how many questions I see around here that demonstrate no ability to use a search tool - but that's off topic. It seems to me that the first response of the beginners' team to the question 64 or 32 should be to point users to the stickies on the subject.

It also seems to me that the default answers for someone with a 64 bit CPU should be "start with 64 bit. In the unlikely event that you find a problem you can't fix that is 64 bit related, you can always switch."

Sure, depending on usage, they may not see a significant performance boost - but they're certainly not likely to see worse performance.

Why steer people to using a version not native for their hardware unless they have a specific need that 64 bit is known not to meet?

Kingsley said: OK, according to your list the only advantage a normal user would see is a slightly quicker boot time.

This is just childish baiting.

Would a mod please just close this thread now.

Krydahl said: I've no idea if this is helpful, but I'm a newbie (been using Ubuntu for about 6 weeks and it's my first experience with linux). So here's my experience.

• I had a new processor. I wanted to know whether to use the 32 or 64 bit version.

• I did some searches on the forum and rapidly found a number of helpful stickies in the 64 bit forum discussing the differences and difficulties. They seemed minimal.

• On that basis, I decided to start with 64 bit and see if it caused difficulties.

It didn't. I knew I was going to end up using a 32 bit browser to get java/flash. All the other apps I was interested in existed for 64 bit.

So far I've had a few minor problems and none that I have any reason to believe are 64 bit specific.

It is a source of amazement to me how many questions I see around here that demonstrate no ability to use a search tool - but that's off topic. It seems to me that the first response of the beginners' team to the question 64 or 32 should be to point users to the stickies on the subject.

It also seems to me that the default answers for someone with a 64 bit CPU should be "start with 64 bit. In the unlikely event that you find a problem you can't fix that is 64 bit related, you can always switch."

Sure, depending on usage, they may not see a significant performance boost - but they're certainly not likely to see worse performance.

Why steer people to using a version not native for their hardware unless they have a specific need that 64 bit is known not to meet?

Thank you for that feedback.

rsambuca said: This is just childish baiting.

Would a mod please just close this thread now.

LOL :lolflag:

That is how I felt about the OP !!!

Kingsley said: OK, according to your list the only advantage a normal user would see is a slightly quicker boot time.

That is not entirely true. There are some benefits to running 64bit with regards to serious number crunching or serious multimedia work.

That being said there will be other factors that come into play with regards to each users machine that will determined "speed"

Some examples on the hardware side would be amount of memory, cpu speed, number of cores, io, system bus speed, gpu.

Then you have to factor in the programs being used, and how they are written.