Istvan Gabor wrote:
Hello:
I have purchased a new computer with more RAM (8 GB) and newer processor (AMD phenom II x6).
So far all my computers used 32 bit linux (opensuse). Windows users say that windows requires 64 bit system to recognize and use memory that is larger than 4 GB (>3.xx).
1. It is necessary to switch 64 bit opensuse to use 8 GB RAM? My 32 bit system sees 8 GB RAM (in kinfocenter); kernel 2.6.31.14-0.8-desktop #1 SMP PREEMPT 2011-04-16 i686 athlon i386 GNU/Linux.
2. If not necessary, what are the advantages of 64 bit? 3. What are the caveats? I guess there might be programs that can run on 32 bit system only. Can I run these in a 64 bit OS? Is there some compatibility program?
I never installed and used a 64 bit system before. I found on the net these sites, but I am not convinced:
To use that much memory, you need the PAE kernel. However, unlike with Windows, there is a lot of software for 64 bit Linux. I have been running it for about 6 years. 32 bit requires the use of PAE because a 32 bit processor cannot directly access that much memory without "tricks". Also, support for 32 bit apps is built in to the 64 bit version. My main desktop system runs 64 bit Linux only and my ThinkPad 64 bit Linux and 64 bit Windows 7. -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: opensuse+unsubscribe@opensuse.org To contact the owner, e-mail: opensuse+owner@opensuse.org