Duplicating setup from 1 machine to another and possibly x86 to x64

[metropoli10]

I have a somewhat simple and advanced question and appreciate any help you can provide.

I recently set up Ubuntu Studio Edition on my son's computer because he took such an interest in sound editing, after using my machine. Since he likes it so much, I'm thinking about upgrading his computer to a faster mb/processor. First question:

1.) Can I swap the hard drive out to the new machine and not have any issues with the new machine, ie up and running like nothing changed or will I have issues? I ask b/c the only time I've done this was with Windows and it wanted to reformat the drive or install to a different folder any time you change the mb/processor.

2.) In the event I move him to a x64 machine from his x86, I know I will want to reinstall the OS but is there a way to export a list of all installed package names currently installed to install on the new machine? I'm thinking surely there is a way to create a script and change the name from "filename_x86" to "filename_64" and auto install the packages I desire. It just seems there has to be a much easier name than writing all the program names down and then having to select them one by one.

Like I said, much appreciation to any help received and thank you!

[Rubberman]

While it is better to use something like clonezilla to migrate to the newer system, just swapping the drive can cause problems, especially with regard to device drivers, disc compatibility (ide vs. sata, etc). My suggestion is to install Ubuntu x86_64 studio edition on the new system, then move his data files over. It will be a lot less prone to error and give him the advantage of his new hardware.