OPINIONS SOUGHT - Do I Upgrade to 64 bit?

[newtusmaximus]

Gentlemen. Thanks for your comments/observations/experience.  It is interesting to note query data from the current LL data base seems to show circa 50% of those registered are using the 32 bit version (even some who seem to have CPUs capable of 64 bit).  Hopefully this will demonstrate to the "powers that be" that there is value in extending the 32 bit option into LL4.0 + (2021+)

[torreydale]

We've addressed this before in a different thread.  Coincidentally, you started that thread, too.  Here's a rerun of my take:
https://www.freecinema2022.gq/forums/off-t.../#msg26356

I still stand by those comments.  By 2023, if you're happy with what your current 32 bit computer can do in this world, terrific!  But I'd bet a 5 dollars that you aren't.  And those 5 dollars might be worth more than your computer in 2023.

[newtusmaximus]

Torreydale, thanks for your response.  I was aware of the earlier thread I started last year on the life expectancy of 32 bit ubuntu  and a rant that perfectly good  pcs might have to be "scrapped"  just because a suitable OS was no longer available,  Touched on the same theme/argument also here (above)

My question though this time was whether I should upgrade to 64 bit LL on this machine , and if so what  "penalty" in extra resource I would have to pay - CPU  and memory use., especially as I had at present 3 x 1 GM ram available.

Well to answer my own question I burned the LL3.4 64bit beta this evening and ran it as a live DVD under load - simultaneously running- wired LAN, GIMP photo editing, vlc  playing a streamed video and a spread sheet doing a data search..

I was surprised to find from RESOURCE that CPU use ( Both cores) maxed at 60%  with memory maxing at circa 50% .  This at a usage well above what I would normally expect, or want to,  to do simultaneously.

CONCLUSION - ca upgrade from LL2.8 32 bit to LL3.4 64 bit without the NEED to increase memory.  The latter can be upgraded, if and when ( bidding sites permitting )

So thank you to all who helped.

[tek10]

You'll be fine with 3GB of ram. I have an older HP G60 laptop with 3GB ram and it runs 64 bit LL no problem.

[newtusmaximus]

UPDATE to deliberations.  Trial and error - learning by doing.
Much to my surprise my old laptop Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Si1520 ( Intel T720 CPU) from 2007  is running on 64 bit LL3.4 beta!!  Thought it was restricted to 32 bit.  and hence one of my worries re 32 bit demise.  Tried running on 1 x 1 GB RAM and it struggled - swap file kept hard drive working hard.  Running on 2 x1 GB ( matched pair shared RAM) ran OK although on multitasking there were some stalls while the system caught up.
On 3GB ( 2 + 1 as  single RAM )  system running really well, even when being pushed hard multi tasking,
However  with latest bios (v1.2 - 2007) , motherboard  apparently  restricts RAM availability to 3GB.  so can't benefit from Pair ( 2+2 GB).  ( Siemens forum data).

Unfortunately the Siemens V3405 laptop from 2005  is restricted to 32 bit because of processor; - even though it is Intel dual core.  So  this one is on notice, unless I eventually change to Debian.  Plenty of time though :}

[newtusmaximus]

Tek10  our HP G60 fried its motherboard - overheated as fan becane clogged with flotsum. ;.  Screen and ancillaries  all were working OK.  Have put on ebay for spares repair. So someone might benefit from the parts.  Hate to pcs scrapped if they can be of use to someone.

[rokytnji]

Unfortunately the Siemens V3405 laptop from 2005  is restricted to 32 bit because of processor; - even though it is Intel dual core.  So  this one is on notice, unless I eventually change to Debian.  Plenty of time though :}

I can tell you from personal experience.  MX-Linux is a lot like Linux-Lite. But based on Debian. They offer 32 bit isos and monthly updated snapshots with the latest upgraded libs and software so one does not have to load a bunch of upgrades after a initial install. It used to be Mepis. Now with help from guys from the AntiX team and Mepis team allying.

MX linux came out pretty nifty.

Monthly snapshot links below if you feel backed into corner at any time.

Info link here: https://forum.mxlinux.org/viewtopic.php?...46#p401246

Snapshot isos here:  http://mxrepo.com/snapshots/?C=M;O=D

Disclaimer:

I am fully biased posting this. I am a MX and AntiX forum moderator. I am also a Distro team member. I find their forums friendly and under control. Mepis has been around for a long time and the members that post there are very knowledgeable. They taught me a lot of what I know how to do now as far as using linux is concerned.


Just showing you is a option if you ever feel you need one. Take it or leave it. Up to you, as always.