Build Now, Upgrade Later?

[digiman999]

Hi All,

I'm fairly new to Linux, but get the jist of it. I'd like to build a server to run CentOS5 to host domains & run Boonex's Dolphin 7. I can't afford the hardware at present, but do have a spare laptop to test with. My two questions:

1) Is is possible to create a build on my laptop, with CentOS, PHP, Dolphin 7, DNS etc, and then create an image to transfer to the future hardware server when constructed? If not, are there alternatives e.g. to copy settings, and then paste then onto the new CentOS install? Anything else I should consider for doing this future move?

2) I presume it's not possible to transfer from 32bit (now) to 64 bit (possibly later) CentOS5?

Regards
Digiman

[Rubberman]

32-bit applications will run just fine on 64-bit Linux systems. However, you will probably want to upgrade your 32-bit apps to 64-bit at some time. You can also move the entire system (but would still be 32-bit) using a tool like Clonezilla.

My advice is, test out on your 32-bit laptop, then install the system from scratch on CentOS and migrate your applications. It will take a bit longer, but you will end up with a better understanding of the system and what configuration factors are important or not for your purposes.