32 or 64bit?

[onlytheFBI]

Hello, first off I want to say I'm a nood to linux and would like some help with a simple problem. I want to install Linux Mint exept schould I install the 64bit or the 32bit?
Here is the stats on my computer:
Processor: Intel Pentium Dual CPU T2330 @1.60GHz 1.60 GHz
Memory (RAM): 1 GB
Curently Running: 32 bit Windows Vista

And it was extremly slow, so will I get a faster machine if I install 64bit or would it be pointless?

[DrHu]

You have 1GB RAM, a low speed processor, so the Mint 32 bit version would work best

However, you could also install a lightweight OS, like pclinux or a lighter weight desktop like xfce, even withing the Mint main edition Gnome desktop and you get to choose which one to load

• xfce will be snappier..

[DrHu]

You have 1GB RAM, a low speed processor, so the Mint 32 bit version would work best

However, you could also install a lightweight OS, like pclinux or a lighter weight desktop like xfce, even within the Mint main edition Gnome desktop and you get to choose which one to load

• xfce will be snappier..

http://www.xfce.org/
http://pclinuxos.com/
http://www.phoronix.com/scan.php?page=a ... rway&num=1

[beefstu]

You wont gain anything with x64, its only really necessary if you have ~4GB or RAM or more. In fact it could potentially slow it down as it uses more RAM and with only 1GB it may mean it would have to use the swap partition more.

By looks of your specs it may be worth trying out one of the other Mint types, XFCE, LXDE or Fluxbox as these tend to be better suited to slower hardware.

[w2ibc]

Mint LXDE works quite well for me.

similar stats as you on this box dual 1.6 but with 2GB ram.

LXDE is only using 14% of my ram and thats with FF running 3 tabs and a online radio feed.

[onlytheFBI]

Thanks for the help guys. Thanks for reminding me about the other desktops too. Now I'll be able to have a fast laptop, great.