[SOLVED] 64 bit Install question

[d1universe]

Hello all,

I was getting ready to install gentoo when I came across a post about Core2 processors. Now, this was a severe oversight on my part, but I originally assumed that I had a Core Duo, 32 bit processor. Apparently my core2 T7200 is a 64 bit processor.

Two questions, the first is, which liveCD do I use? AMD64 or i686?

The second pertains to the installation itself. I keep seeing posts saying x86_64 build specifications, then some posts talk about using AMD64 for x86_64, so I'm a bit confused. Is there a good installation guide/post somewhere that I could read so I can figure all this out?

I'm still a little in shock that I've been running a 64bit processor without realizing it for the past year...

Thanks.

Nathan

[whig]

For now stick with i686, until you have a worthwhile reason to go 64 bit (eg > 4GB ram). To get some wares to work on an amd64 host ("same thing" as x86_64 / 64 bit) you'll be dealing with emul libs, maybe chroots. Because the software don't have native 64 bit support yet. Do you really want the trouble? Perhaps set up a new partition for an amd64 system and test it until you are happy. Keeping your main system i686 in the meantime.

[pjw.roudier]

Hello,

Your CPU model is 64bits capable. It means it can run 64bits operating systems and programs.
But not only can your CPU run 64bits code, it can also execute 32bits OSes and programs.
This way, PC hardware is backward compatible with software written in the past.

So far, you've been using a 32bits OS, which put your CPU in 32bits mode and allow you to run 32bits progs. But you can also install a 64bit OS so that you can run both 64bits and 32bits software. Yes, a 64bits OS can run 32bits programs, though it requires some libraries. But these libraries are installed by portage like any other libraries so don't worry.

It think reading the article on wikipedia could help you get the big picture http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X86_64.

Now the real question is: do you need a 64bit OS? It has pros and cons. The debate is widely covered everywhere on the web, just google it for details.
My advice: if your computer has less that 4GiB of RAM, stick to 32bit.

[platojones]

[defenderBG]

for now only java nsplugins does not work out of the box with amd64, yet with 5 command lines you can get it to work, so there are no more so many reasons to stick to 32bit.

[Inodoro_Pereyra]

About a good guide: The Gentoo handbook for AMD64.

That's all you will ever need.

Cheers!
_________________
Mi Blog.

Si no fuera por C, estaríamos escribiendo programas en BASI, PASAL y OBOL.

[Hu]

[gentoo-dev]

[d1universe]

Just wanted to thank everyone. =)

Went through the referenced Wikipedia article, read through the AMD64 Handbook, and got everything all figured out.

Thanks again,

Nathan