32 bit or 64 bit, what's the difference?

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LarryJB
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32 bit or 64 bit, what's the difference?

Post by LarryJB »

Ian has talked me into installing Ubuntu 10.04, so last night I went to download it and it said I had to decide between 32 bit and 64 bit versions. So what is the difference between the 2? Why would I want one over the other within the context of a media/backup server?
Larry Browning
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There are 10 kinds of people; those who understand binary and those that don't.
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Ian
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Re: 32 bit or 64 bit, what's the difference?

Post by Ian »

I think the answer is "not a lot". I simply went for the 64bit version because my hardware supports it and, possibly, it might be quicker for some obscure app I might need at some point in the future.

I must stress I gave the decision little thought (we're talking nano seconds :lol: ) and had no reason other than my experience with Windows and the 32bit version not "seeing" memory >3.xGB so figured the same would be true for Ubuntu too.

You can install 32bit apps on the 64bit version but not the other way round as far as I know.

Ian.
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