using 32 bit ubuntu 12.04 computer is 64 bit

Asked by Ian Brownlie

I recently purchased a computer from my friend, it is an HP not sure of the model. He had loaded ubuntu 12.04 (32 bit). for the most part it seems ok, but when checking settings etc I find that its 64 bit processor. I have been getting warnings when using the terminal about " wrong architecture ". Should I try to rectify this or do a complete 64 bit installation. So, if anyone could advise me I would be most grateful. Ian

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#1

If you have less than 4Gb RAM and only web browse and basic stuff like that then you can use 32bit without issue. When you download packages you will pull in 32bit packages and if you are manually installing stuff you should also use 32bit packages to match your OS.

What activities trigger the 'wrong arch' messages?

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Ian Brownlie (ibrownlie) said :
#2

 Thanks for the reply Andrew. I do have 4Gb RAM. I guess the main use of the computer is 'open office' and web browsing. I get the 'wrong' message when trying to download and install software using the terminal. But, if it really doesn't matter then I'll leave it alone. Thanks again, the rapid response was much appreciated. Ian

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said :
#3

The package system wil install debs only for the arch of your Ubuntu install. Stuff like office productivity and web browsing don't benefit much from 64bitness.