New Computer, what should I install?

[me-5yx05kfkO/aqeI1yJSURBw at public.gmane.org (Matthew Gillen)]

I think other people answered all your other questions, so I'll just add this:
edit: I got busy and someone else gave a similar answer in the meantime, but
here's my $0.02

markw-FJ05HQ0HCKaWd6l5hS35sQ at public.gmane.org wrote:
> (3) If I have 64bit Linux, will GCC/G++ target 32bit environments?

Short answer: yes;
>From the gcc man page:
> While picking a specific cpu-type will schedule things appropriately for
> that particular chip, the compiler will not generate any code that does not
> run on the i386 without the -march=cpu-type option being used.

Check the "-mtune=cpu-type" and "march=cpu-type" command line switches.

> What's your personal experience with 64bit Linux?
Haven't had any problems lately.  When I first installed, there were all sorts
of fun issues like the proprietary NVidia drivers not supporting x86_64, no
flash plugin, etc (ie all that proprietary stuff you shouldn't have on your
box, but can't get away without).

Most of those issues are resolved by now though.

Matt



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