Salix 64 bits or 32 bits ?

[sabras]

With the release of the new Salix 13.37 and me buying a new laptop, I was wondering what advantages/disadvantages would I have by installing the 64 bits version of salix instead of the 32 bits ?

I already made a test on my previous laptop and, except for flash 64 bits that I had to grab myself on the internet, I do not see any obvious difference/performance gain.

I know that 64bits will give access to more than 4GB memory but the new laptop has 4GB (and anyway, this is far more than needed for Salix, obviously this laptop was designed to run win 7 ).

So, is there anything that will incentive me to got to the 64 bits version or do I better stick in my comfort zone and stay with the 32 bits version ?

thanks for the tips,

-S

PS : by the way, thanks to the team for this new release... Great works !

[Duncan_Idaho]

as far as I know with salix64 you won't be able to install/run flash[1], skype and wine unless you go the multilib way.
as for performance I don't know either, I always had used the 32bits versions even when both my laptop and desktop are 64bits machines :S
for this new version just released I'm going to try using salix64 on both and dual boot windows for the odd gaming time (I mostly play obscure/indie games)

[1]: I say flash because they don't have official support for 64bits OSs, not even win64, and 64bits users have to install a so called "preview" in order to use flash, but thats easily done as there is a package somewhere in the forums, or you could use slackbuilds, or you could do it by hand

[thenktor]

My opinion: if it's a 64 bit CPU use the 64 bit version.

[pwatk]

My opinion: if it's a 64 bit CPU use the 64 bit version.

And you can always install the 32 bit version in VirtualBox or Qemu if you really need it. I do this to compile packages for both architectures sometimes.

[thenktor]

I've never really needed this, but yes: I have some Virtualboxes running

[thom1]

And you can always install the 32 bit version in VirtualBox or Qemu if you really need it. I do this to compile packages for both architectures sometimes.

What can virtualbox or qemu in 32bits on salix64 be needed for ? (sorry for my english)

[pwatk]

I you have a a 64 bit chip then just use the 64 bit version.

If you find you need the 32 bit version for any reason (e.g. you want to use Wine or something) then you could always install the 32 bit version in VirtualBox!

[thom1]

Sorry, I misunderstood something.
I thought you were talking about installing qemu-i486 or virtualbox-i486 software on salix64. I don't understand you were talking about installing a 32bits OS inside a virtual machine.

Sorry again