Which version of gentoo/windows [solved]

[nobody13]

This is probably a dumb question. I just ordered the parts to build a new pc. I ordered an Intel quad core processor and it's 64 bit compatable. It's going to be dual boot. Do I install ia64 gentoo with Xp 64 bit or stick with the x86 Gentoo with 32 bit xp? Is there any benifet to either?

The reason I'm confused here is that I've been shopping different prebuilt systems and even on AMD64 systems they all seem to be shipped with vista home 32 bit instaed of the 64 bit version.

[kevstar31]

IA64 is for intel itanium processors. You need to use either AMD64 or X86.
_________________
while(true) std::cout << "Jesus I trust in you." << std::endl;
My Political Compass

[nobody13]

Thanks for the info on the ia64.

Wich do I use AMD64 or x86? Does it even make much of a difference?

[Stupendoussteve]

AMD64 is for 64 bit processors.

If you have a lot of ram it may be beneficial to use 64 bit. If not there may be a little benefit, there are also generally a few more headaches.

[Hu]

On the Windows side, stick with 32-bit Windows XP. The 64-bit Windows XP is poorly supported, and will probably give you far more grief than it is worth.

On the Linux side, use either x86 or amd64, whichever you prefer. There are many threads on this forum, some quite recent, arguing the merits of x86 versus amd64. There is no requirement to use x86 Linux simply because you use x86 Windows.

[Section_8]

I don't know about vista issues, but for gentoo, if you are putting more than 4 gig of ram in it, or think you might upgrade to >4 gig in the future, you should do an amd64 install - you can't address more than 4 gig of ram in a 32 bit system.

I've been running amd64 on a core2 duo for almost a year - just a few annoyances, such as no 64-bit java plugin for firefox - I just run 32-bit firefox-bin if I need java, and 64 bit firefox otherwise.

For dual booting gentoo & XP, you don't have to run them both the same "bitness". I dual boot amd64 gentoo and 32 bit XP.

[NathanZachary]

I would suggest using the 64-bit installation medium (AMD64) for your setup. You won't run into many problems at all, and you'll take full advantage of your hardware.
_________________
“Truth, like infinity, is to be forever approached but never reached.” --Jean Ayres (1972)
---avatar cropped from =AimanStudio---

[nobody13]

Thanks for the replies,

The ram issues was a concern with windows ( I bought 4G ), I didn't know Linux had the same trouble. I found an academic version of xp 64-bit for $49.00. I'm going to try it out. (hu - i wish i read your post a few hours ago - I wouldn't have bought it)

I guess I'm going to give the Gentoo AMD-64 a try too since. I've never seen it. I hope java and flash isn't too tough to get working.

Thanks

[NathanZachary]

The 64-bit version of Windows won't be that bad if you're running 4GB of RAM. Since Windows runs all precompiled binaries, it shouldn't be a big deal. Also, with Gentoo 64, you shouldn't run into any problems with Firefox and Flash. I don't use Java, so I can't say anything regarding that aspect. If you need help, though, we'll be here!
_________________
“Truth, like infinity, is to be forever approached but never reached.” --Jean Ayres (1972)
---avatar cropped from =AimanStudio---

[Hu]

Windows requires that all kernel modules be of the same bitness as the core kernel. If he uses a 64-bit Windows system, he will need 64-bit versions of Windows drivers for all his hardware. Due to the generally low historical popularity of 64-bit Windows, getting 64-bit Windows drivers can be difficult with some vendors. It may improve as 64-bit Windows Vista takes hold, although there remains the possibility that a 64-bit Windows Vista driver will use Vista-specific functionality.

[NathanZachary]

[nobody13]

Disappointment #1 - no 64 bit version of zonealarm and 32 bit version won't install.l Will have to find another firewall for windows.

No problems with drivers yet

[NathanZachary]

I'm not sure why one would want to run ZoneAlarm in Windows at all. I had Windows running for years and never used any type of software firewall or antivirus. ZA is especially bloated, so unless you absolutely need it for some reason or another, I would say you're better off without it.
_________________
“Truth, like infinity, is to be forever approached but never reached.” --Jean Ayres (1972)
---avatar cropped from =AimanStudio---

[M]

[nobody13]

[NathanZachary]

I guess I was REALLY lucky then, because I never installed any updates to Windows past SP1. What was the alternative that you found to use, just out of curiosity.
_________________
“Truth, like infinity, is to be forever approached but never reached.” --Jean Ayres (1972)
---avatar cropped from =AimanStudio---

[nobody13]

Comodo firewall. So far so good, but havn't had much time to spend on windows yet. I'm still setting up Gentoo.

[NathanZachary]

Once you get Gentoo setup, you're not going to want to spend much time in Windoze.
_________________
“Truth, like infinity, is to be forever approached but never reached.” --Jean Ayres (1972)
---avatar cropped from =AimanStudio---

[nobody13]

I agree. I only keep Windows for games.