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As time goes onward, programs become...larger, and require more memory. 32-bit operating systems and processors are limited to a 4 GB address space, and only about 3 GB of this will typically be usable. Using 64-bit processors and operating systems will lift the 4 GB barrier and allow an astronomical amount of RAM to be usable. 64-bit operating systems and processors are readily available (if your computer is less than 4 years old, you very likely have a 64-bit processor already), and as memory manufacturing techniques improve, it will actually become more expensive to produce modules less than 4 GB in size.

Whether or not you currently need 4 GB or more of RAM is largely irrelevant; sooner or later, you will want to use a program that requires a larger amount of RAM, and even if that program uses less than 4 GB of RAM, more RAM will be needed to multitask effectively. Just as 64 MB of RAM is not enough to productively run most office software, even if that's all the program uses, one day 3 GB will not be enough.

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Q: Do you really need a 64-bit operating system and a 64-bit processor?
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What is the main advantage of selecting a 64bit operating system over a 32bit operating system?

It isn't an issue of advantages, it is an issue of compatibility with your computer. The 64 bit operating system can take full advantage of the capabilities of a 64 bit microprocessor, if your computer has a 64 bit microprocessor. However a 64 bit operating system will not run at all if your computer has an older 32 bit microprocessor; you will have to use a 32 bit operating system on that computer.


Are most operating systems today designed for either 16-bit or 32-bit CPUs?

Most operating systems are designed for either 32-bit or 64bit CPU's.


How do you install ubuntu on Windows 7?

Installing Ubuntu on Windows 7 is easy.One of the steps include formatting your hard drive, make sure that back up you files before installing Ubuntu.To install Ubuntu on Windows XP, Vista 7, follow these steps:Go to www.ubuntu.comDownload the Ubuntu ISO Image and save it to (If your computer is 64bit, download the 64bit version.)Burn the ISO Image to a DVD or a CD.Shut down the computer. Make sure that you keep the CD or DVD inside.Boot from the CD or DVD. (Hit any key before it boots from the hard drive.Select "Try Ubuntu without making changes to your Computer".Wait until it loads up the desktop.Then, there should be an icon that says "Install Ubuntu". Double click that.Fill in the information that the installer asks you.Then it asks you for where to install on the hard drive. If you want Windows to be there after the installation, let it make another partition. If you do not want Windows 7, select "Erase and use the whole hard disk"Wait until it finishes.When it finishes, reboot the computer.During the reboot, it asks you to eject the disk. Eject the disk and hit space-bar.DONE!


What are the criteria for installing Linux operating system?

For the installation of most free/open-source desktop 'Linux' distros, you will need the following: 1: An Intel/AMD type x86-32/64bit machine with at least 512MB RAM & 10GB HDD; preferably a 'spare' one - dual-booting IS a BAD idea, although many 'Linux' operators run several 'Linux' distros on the same machine! 2: Belief in there being such a thing as a free lunch: You want something 'better' than Windows, but either cannot afford to buy or aren't prepared to buy a new Mac machine (you don't see many second-hand Macs). But, nearly ALL of the software & applications can be downloaded for 'free' from your OS's 'synaptic package manager': you WILL find that there can be such a thing as too much choice! There are DOZENS of 'Linux' distros out there. 3: A love of passwords: Generally, you need a password & permission to do anything, even if you're the system administrator or sole user. This is because 'Linux' distros are built with multiple users in mind. 4: Plenty of time on your hands: Unless you're just an end-user who just wants a PC for web-browsing, emailing, downloading, ripping, etc., you may well find yourself spending hours in 'command terminal' trying to install proprietary hardware, etc. This is where you find that 'freedom' isn't entirely free. However, most 'Linux' users are 'system-operators' rather than consumers, which is why they get 'Linux' in the first place: OK, they're hackers; & 'Linux' is perfect for hacking, because it built like Lego(tm) or Meccano(tm). 5: A love of variety or incosistency: You will ideally have a liking for changing your operating system at least once every six months, & virtually starting all over again, because you hardware no longer works with the 'updated' system. Realistically, the people who like 'Linux' also tend to like like giant DIY toyshops! "If you've not changed your 'Linux' distro in the last 12 months, it's about time you did!" (paraphrased from I can't remember which online 'Linux' website). 6: A love of forums: You will spend a LOT of time looking on forums for advice on how to resolve problems, install hardware, etc., much of which will neither make sense, nor be relevant to the particular version of the distro you're using. Many 'Linux' distros have a certain self-justifiable pride about being community-based. Be aware though, that many 'Linux' types don't care a jot whether or not you use 'Linux' - they're a bunch of quasi-anarchists, who take pride in their individuality AND the individuality of their individual machines, who nevertheless tend to be generous with their advice, even if you don't understand it - you can always learn. 7: A willingness to learn: Unless 'Linux' is your first OS ever, in which case you won't be any the wiser, you will have a LOT to learn - 'Linux' is NOT Windows or Mac, & many of the processes are quite different. If you're not just an end-user, you WILL learn some coding protocols. Until you've mastered you own 'Linux box' & tailored it to your own requirements, in which case it's time to either upgrade or change to a different 'flavour' of 'Linux', you will learn that EVERYONE else's 'Linux' distro is better than yours! If you're seriously thinking of changing to 'Linux', don't say you haven't been warned! Good luck, Archangel


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