Ready to switch to Ubuntu, but... 64 or 32bit/ 6.1 or 7.04 ???

Hey guys... I'm fed up with Windows... and im ready for a change.

I'm looking at Ubuntu right now. pretty set on it. But ive got 2 questions.

1. do you recommend 32 or 64 bit?
Ive got a Core2Duo 1.83GHZ on my laptop. Ive never used 64bit software... so i don't really know what to do.

2. Do i stick with Ubuntu 6.1 or wait for 7.04?
Generally.... i don't move to the newest, latest software unless the old software starts giving me problems... or the old software is no longer supported. BUT.... now that im moving over to the Linux world... i don't know if things are different when new software is released. Is new stuff good, reliable, thoroughly tested... and actually really worth the switch? Does it give an improvement on resources, speed, and compatibility, or just add new features?

Thanks everyone!

 

Try out the 32-bit version. I believe, but am not sure, that the 64-bit version is tested a lot less. Both should work well for you.

Download 7.04 Beta. I believe Herd 6 is out, or just wait for the final release of Feisty in a week or so. The current daily builds are very stable and I don't see a reason not to use it.

 

Glad you're looking to switch. We're always welcoming newcomers. I personally would recommend going with a 32-bit version. 64-bit compatibility isn't as bad as Windows, but third party software (such as Adobe Flash Player) require some run-arounds. If you do decide to go 64-bit though, one of our mods (Pitabred) is running 64 bit Kubuntu and could probably help you out.

As per 6.10 vs 7.04, I recommend waiting a few days until 7.04 final is released. It's a great OS, adds a lot of stability and hardware support lacking in 6.10 (especially in wireless networking), and offers a lot of new features as well. Ubuntu likes to take incremental releases rather than Microsoft's large-scale releases, which allows them to focus on a small set of areas for each release instead of trying to fix a whole slew of problems every few years. This way, it's more like a software upgrade or patch than a major OS overhaul.

Good luck, and remember that we're always here to help.

 

hmm, ok thanks guys. i will probably dowload the 32bit version and wait for version 7.04.

AND... what the heck is herd 6 or feisty???

 

Each version of Ubuntu has a codename as well. 7.04's name happens to be Feisty Fawn. 6.10's name is Edgy Eft.

Yeah, if I were you, I'd download the 32-bit version of Feisty Fawn (7.04) in a few days.. it comes out on friday I believe?
Think of these newer versions of Ubuntu as regular "service packs" rather than new OSes. They add stability and more support... but don't change too much overall.

 

In addition to this, the "Herd 6" title refers to the 6th pre-release version of 7.04 (Feisty Fawn). I don't believe there is a Herd 6 though, just a Herd 1-5 and then the Beta. Here is more info.

 

Ah ok gotcha! Thanks

 

Herd 6 was cancelled. The final release is due out on the 19th here (Thursday). You might want to wait for that. I would recommend 32bit for the best multimedia experience... it'll be easier getting video codecs working, and Flash. Both of those took me some hacking to get running, so it's possible, but if you don't want to fight with it, don't go with the 64bit version. It really won't add a whole lot of speed, it's more just bragging rights until more memory is standard

 

I tested both 32bit and 64bit 7.04. They work fine. You need 32bit work around in 64bit version. Other than that 7.04 64bit handle a lot better than 6.10. You have to get XP 64bit driver for your WiFi if your are unlucky having broadcom chip.

64bit is kinda >15% faster to me.