[GRLUG] 32bit vs. 64bit [Was: Random questions]

[Adam Tauno Williams]

Bob Kline <bob.kline at gmail.com> wrote:
>I still use a 32-bit version of Linux.
>What's to be gained or lost by going
>to a 64-bit version?


Effectively nothing.  Pointers are larger and often scalar values default to larger - so the exact same applications consume more resources.  On the other hand you get more registers, a larger address space [with somewhat less 'cobbling'] and a few new operations.  For a typical desktop the difference is really a wash;  possibly a small negative of RAM is under-provisioned.

-- 
Adam Tauno Williams