Re: Debian on an AMD64 Processor

[Dennis Stosberg <lists@stosberg.net>]

Andy wrote:

> Hello List,

Hello Andy,
 
> [..]
> Can I run regular Debian Sarge on an AMD64 processor, or do I have to run 
> the AMD64 port?

Both the i386 port and the (unofficial) amd64 port of Sarge will run
fine on amd64 hardware.

If you're running the i386 port on amd64 hardware you can choose
between a (32-bit) i386 kernel and a (64-bit) x86_64 kernel.  

The x86_64 kernel provides compatibility for i386 applications, so
i386 applications will still run fine.  Sarge includes (limited)
support for running x86_64 programs on the i386 port, if you have an
x86_64 kernel.  There are a few rough edges like iptables and v4l,
but nothing serious.

For now, I'd recommend to choose the i386 port, because there is
still software that most desktop users will want to use and that is
not available in as a 64-bit version.  This includes OpenOffice,
codecs for MPlayer and Xine, Macromedia Flash Player, and most
commercial applications.  If have 1 GB RAM or more, or if would like
to develop/test/play with 64-bit applications, I'd recommend to use
a x86_64 kernel with your i386 system.

Regards,
Dennis

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