32 and 64 bit versions of Linux

[mrj2]

Hi

I would like to install 64 bit linux. This will be on a new PC. Will 64 bit install on any PC or do I have to have a special 64 bit architecture?

Thanks

Michael

[techieMoe]

The 64-bit versions of most Linux distributions only require that you have a standard 64-bit architecture chip, and if you're buying this retail (and not from a server farm) you're pretty much guaranteed to get a compatible processor. The only non-standard 64-bit processors available that would require a special version of Linux are generally found in rack-based servers sold by IBM and Sun Microsystems.

So, long story short: no, you don't need anything special. Your new computer will likely run any 64-bit version of Linux just fine. 32-bit as well.


http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/per...a64-em64t.html

[coopstah13]

very few chips these days are sold that aren't 64-bit capable for sure

I can really only think of a few, VIA C7 and some intel atoms are 32-bit only, but these are usually only found in netbooks

[mrj2]

Many thanks

You have been a tremendous help

Michael