Sharon Kimble wrote:
> This setup is currently running a "3.16.0-4-686-pae" kernel. Is it a
> good idea to convert to a 64bit kernel, specifically
> "3.16.0-4-amd64"?
How much memory do you have in your system?
If the answer is 4G or less then there is no advantage. Stay with the
32-bit kernel. If the answer is 64G or more then yes you should
definitely use a 64-bit kernel. If the answer is between 4G and 64G
then the answer is "it depends" and there are advantages and
disadvantages to both.
If you currently have a 32-bit system then I recommend staying there.
A 64-bit kernel won't have much advantage for a 32-bit userspace. It
is rather a pain to change from 32-bit userland to 64-bit. Not really
worth it.
Is your web browser exceeding 3G of ram image?
If the answer is yes then you should re-install to a 64-bit userland.
If the answer is no then stick with 32-bits.
> And if it is a good idea, how do I do it? Is it as simple as
> downloading the "3.16.0-4-amd64" kernel, reboot to it, and delete
> the "3.16.0-4-686-pae" kernel?
Simply install the linux-image-amd64 metapackage, let it drag in the
version numbered kernel, and then reboot to it.
# uname -a
Linux joseki 3.2.0-4-686-pae #1 SMP Debian 3.2.65-1+deb7u2 i686 GNU/Linux
# apt-get install linux-image-amd64
Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree
Reading state information... Done
The following extra packages will be installed:
linux-image-3.2.0-4-amd64
Suggested packages:
linux-doc-3.2 debian-kernel-handbook
The following NEW packages will be installed:
linux-image-3.2.0-4-amd64 linux-image-amd64
0 upgraded, 2 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.
Need to get 23.4 MB of archives.
After this operation, 105 MB of additional disk space will be used.
Do you want to continue [Y/n]?
Bob
Attachment:
signature.asc
Description: Digital signature