I made a mistake when I installed my system. I opted for the 32-bit Linux instead of 64.
First, before I even think about reinstalling, will upgrading to 64-bit afford me any substantial benefits? If not, I would just assume stay with what I have.
Hi. It’s not a mistake to install the 32bit version and an “upgrade” to 64 bit is not possible as far as I know. If you want to run 64bit you’ll have to reinstall, I guess. You can keep your 32bit installation. I am sure, you’ll have way less problems than with 64bit (e.g skype, saga gis, zattoo player…).
You would have to re-install.
There is much argument about the pro’s and con’s of the 32 v. 64
And to be honest, it’s not such a big issue unless you intend to do loads of heavy work like video encoding.
Another point is your RAM. If you have 4GB+ _64bit addresses this much better. Though the 32bit will use it with the PAE kernel, but not as effectively.
And, I guess it depends how much time and effort you have put into your current install? If you are happy with it and like me, would update with the next release 11.2 - You may just as well wait. Others will have differing opinions I guess.
i use the 64 bit version on a 4gb ram machine, and i haven’t had trouble using any application, not even skype, with video (there is a post somewhere in this forum with a howto for this).
it seems to me that the problems with 64 bit applications is getting solved as 64 bit becomes more mainstream. if you have a 4 gb or more machine i would give it a shot. but again, as the friends above me said, it really depends on your processor needs. i personally have to do a lot of data crunching and so it’s worth it.
64 bit is better for heavy duty stuff ke video editing
Thanks for the response.
So if I wanted to create an additional installation of Linux, I’d then have a triple boot system? Would it create 3 additional partitions by default as it did for the first installation?
I’m pleasantly surprised with my open-source experience so far. I’ve actually encountered fewer driver issues with Linux vs Vista. I had to manually my wireless card but I would have had to do that anyway because I don’t broadcast the SID. I also had to search a bit for the right driver for my NVidia graphics card.
I can already see performance gains over Windows.
I think the only good reason to keep my Windows partition active is for my yearly pilgrimmage to the tax gods 
Count me in as a new Linux convert.
You can use your existing swap so no need to create another. Some may even use the same /home, but I’m not sure I would if I had the room on my HD/s.