Re: Possible migration from i386 to amd64

[Oliver Bock <uvtcvruwickt@spammotel.com>]

Thanks guys,
considering your answers I think my approach will be getting the 64bit kernel 
package in a few weeks and stick to 32bit userspace until I can't stand it 
anymore and reinstall with pure64... Meanwhile I certainly need a working 
biarch toolchain for (after using the initial package) compiling my own 64bit 
kernel right?  If so, will there be a nice upgrade from my current 32bit-only 
gcc etc. to biarch-versions and even make-kpkg support?

Cheers, Oliver


On Wednesday 09 June 2004 00:35, Goswin von Brederlow wrote:
> Oliver Bock <uvtcvruwickt@spammotel.com> writes:
> > Hi all,
> > I tested the amd64 (pure) environment some time ago and watch the list
> > regularly. As we're reaching the point where almost all packages have
> > been ported I'd like to think about a possible migration of an existing
> > i386 system. I can imagine that there a few (if not many) people out
> > there who don't really want to throw away a working/configured
> > installation... What kind of approaches could be used? Ok, at first there
> > needs to be the descision whether one likes a "pure" 64bit system or not:
> >
> > 1.) 64bit kernel / 32bit userspace
> > It should be possible to change to a 64bit-kernel only without touching
> > userspace right? Of course you can't use the "pure" 64bit version. Could
> > there be a later upgrade to the next point ->
>
> A kernel-image-2.6.6-5-amd64-generic_2.6.6-5_i386.deb is being
> prepared and should be available in a few weeks when it has passwd
> queue/NEW handling.
>
> Once you have rebootet into that kernel you can (c)debootstrap a
> pure64 chroot and start using 64bit programs from within the
> chroot. This would be the normal way for anyone wanting to take a
> peek. Everyone that commits to pure64 has to install anew.
>
> > 2.) 64bit kernel / 32bit + 64bit userspace
> > Is this possible AND sensible, having mixed mode userspace programs? How
> > about the libs?
>
> That is only possible with multiarch and that is a long way off.
>
> > 3.) Pure 64bit
> > This is my favourite way to go but how (if possible) can one change
> > existing libs and programs to their 64bit equivalent? Will there be a
> > kind of "apt-get arch-upgrade"?  ;-)
>
> Not possible and not intended for pure64. This will never be supported
> by pure64 and would be a major hacking around. If you want to do this
> better create a new partition, copy etc and the debconf db over and
> then run cdebootstrap and install all previously installed packages
> again.
>
> > Please comment on this and correct me where I'm wrong. I'd love to hear
> > of some feasable approaches hence avoiding to reinstall a complete nicely
> > running system.
>
> MfG
>         Goswin