[Leaplist] FC6 conversion from Ubuntu?

[Bryan J. Smith]

From:  Dan Cherry 
> 32 bit is all I'm running with Xubuntu
> (and I like it just fine).

On AMD processors with only 1-2GB, don't bother with 64-bit. And on Intel processors, really don't bother (long story).

I run it largely so I'm professional exposed to the issues. I also run a handful of apps where the extra features make a sizeable difference. It's more than just the ALU width.

The "big negative" is that 64-bit is less efficient with memory usage. Not just the 64-bit objects, which is negligible, but the loading of 32-bit libraries alongside their 64-bit ones.

> the chroot approach is why I left Debian in the first place

I tried it and gave up myself. I'm too lazy. So if something makes me work, I don't deal with it. Other than a few Firefox details, Fedora Core (especially 6) now makes it less painful.

> - and I don't see any difference at the user level
> between 32bit and 64bit 

Most people won't.  It's really a workstation/server argument until 4GB is required on desktops.

In fact, the way Microsoft implements Windows x64 - even for Vista - it is _slower_ than 32-bit.

> the only reason to switch would be for setting up a
> MythTV box,

?  Why  ?

> and possibly for better compatibility with some 
> of the hardware I'm using 

Huh?  Considering peripheral compatibility and drivers are *0* different between PAE36 (32-bit) and PAE52 (64-bit), I don't see why at all?

You don't need a PAE52 kernel for full compatibility.  PAE36 kernels support 100% everything.

The only issue is memory mapped I/O performance beyond 2GB with AMD64.  Intel is *0* different (as it can't protect I/O beyond 2GB).

> Sometimes I waste an awful lot of time trying distros,
> apps, window managers, whatever,- when 
> there's nothing wrong with what I'm using.

Exactomundo!  Stick with what you know and what works for you.  God knows I wouldn't run Linux if I played around with it that much. I do take the time to change a few things on my desktop every now and then, but I  _avoid_ doing so most of the time.  Because I just don't have time.

Unless you already run Fedora Core and want to learn/support multi-arch, I would recommend _against_ anyone switching to Fedora Core 6 just for x86-64.  At least not for your main desktop.

If you really want to "tinker," get a cheap, low-clock Sempron 64 / Athlon 64 for $50, a mainboard for $50 (nForce 4x0/GeForce 61x0) and scrounge up some DDR and disk.  Install Fedora Core 6 x86-64 and use it as a server for remote X desktop solution, not as your primary.

> unless of course others who have tried FC6 have
> something to say that I just can't live without ;-)

I haven't seen Fedora Core 6 offering anything for the typical desktop user over Ubuntu. And I say that as a well-known Red Hat apologist who runs Fedora Core myself. Always have, probably always will.