Which version of Ubuntu Linux should I download?

Question

On the download page for Ubuntu Linux, they ask me what kind of computer I have. The options are:

- Standard personal computer (x86 architecture, PentiumTM, CeleronTM, AthlonTM, SempronTM)

- 64bit AMD and Intel computers

Ok, so now I'm baffled. I have the x86 architecture, and I'm using a 32bit version of Windows Vista. However, my processor is an AMD Turion64 X2. So wtf?

I have a little of both, it seems. x86 architecture, with a AMD processor. So which one do I download? Does the "64" in "Turion64" mean I have a 64bit computer? If so, then why do I have a 32bit version of Windows?

Help, I am so confused here, lol.

Answer 1

64-bit AMD and Intel processors are backwards-compatible with 32-bit operating systems. Most people run 32-bit versions for various compatibility reasons. Most of the incompatibilities for 64-bit Windows unfortunately apply to Linux as well. While the open-source programs on Linux are not a problem, proprietary things like Flash plugins are. To use Flash, you have to either use a 32-bit browser, or a nasty compatibility wrapper that often crashes.



For most users, I would recommend the 32-bit version. 64-bit is great for servers and video editing (if you have more than 4 GB of RAM. Otherwise, it is just more of a hassle (though not too difficult if you are familiar with Linux.

Answer 2

32 bit is generally a bit more compatible with things like Flash or proprietary kernel blobs. Unless you have more than 2gGB of RAM, there's just no reason to consider the 64-bit version. Your computer probably shipped with a 32-bit OS because 64-bit versions of Windows break compatibility with 16-bit software and are lacking a bit in driver compatibility. Your OEM didn't want aditional support headches, no doubt.



Yes, the 64 in your Turion means you have a 64-bit CPU, but is also backwards compatible with 32 and 16-bit X86 CPU's, all the way down to 1978's Intel 8086. The sixty-four bit addressing is just something tacked on, as is everything else added after the era of bell bottoms and snowy noses. Seriously. You could easily prove this by running an early 80's copy of DOS or CP/M 86 on your computer- it works.

Answer 3

If you have a 64bit Turion, you can install teh 64bit version of Ubuntu. But you can also install the 32bit version (which will have fewer problems when adding other programs such as skype).



YOu have a 32bit version of windoze because your mfgr went with the cheapest version of windoze, not with something optomized for your hardware - and just like 32bit Linux, it works!

Answer 4

the answer you need is you can use any most operating systems will run any of the ubuntu system, the difference is wht you want to do on the system and also if you are installing it on a network, I use the ubuntu and also got kubuntu both work fine for me no problems easy to install and good for dual booting. hope this helps

Answer 5

lol.. thats trully confusing .



i dont know the answer , but you can ask the question at ubuntuforums.org , they have a very good dedicated support team . i use ubuntu and whenever i have some problem , they help me with answers real fast .



Hope you have fun with Ubuntu .. It Rocks !

Answer 6

ok open a terminal cd to the folder area eg "you@you > cd /direction/of/document" In a browser- konqueror is acceptable- navigate to the folder and seek for a README document. click on it to work out what's needed to be executed and how. seek for an installation document and study that still. for a typical build you@you/document/area > ./configure this might inform you in case you could build it wisely. next form "sudo su" or "su" and pass into root on the terminal form "make" and hit enter. form "make installation sparkling" after the approach has complete and hit enter lower back. pass lower back to the terminal form "konqueror" and navigate to the document in the recent window. do away with the contents. close the window. form "go out" in the terminal hit enter form "cd /homestead/you" hit enter