Hi! 1. It can run 32bit apps, but you need to work for it (google for chroot). If you plan to use non-debian-included applications (e. g. VMware, Skype) it might be better to use a 32 bit version of debian.
2. I don't know exactly, but since you mentioned that you are a newbee you sould try ubuntu. It is debian based and wants to be a "linux for human beings", which means that it is easier in usage, installation and administration. There is a live cd, try it out :-) 3. Yes, of course. You can boot windows using linux' boot manager grub or even boot linux using windows boot manager. 4. There are 3 versions of debian: stable (currently codenamed "sarge"), testing (currently codenamed "etch") and unstable (codename "sid"). Stable means that it is really stable, but unfortunately, it contains outdated software. Sid is the development tree, which means that it contains up-to-date software, but this software also contains a lot of bugs so some programms can be broken from time to time. Therefore, sid should be used only by advantaged users. Testing is something between stable and sid. I suggest that you have a look at the ubuntu live cd, this might be what you want :-) Regards HubertB On Fri, 2007-01-26 at 10:02 -0200, Rodrigo Alexandre wrote: > hi all, i would like to go linux, have heard that debian is a good > compilation, and want to give it a try. my system is a amd athlon 64 > 3500 currently running windows and with an empty partition for linux. > i have a few questions one might be able to help. > > 1. this 64bit thing, does it mean i cant run 32bit apps? > 2. is there a specific distribution better than debian for those > interested in image processing (raster and vector) and video > authoring? > 3. can i install it in a way that windows may boot as well? this has > something to do with a swap partition as well as the linux one, isn't > it? > 4. noticed that there are two main compilations for 64bits, one only > is official though. which one should i go for? > > i have already googled these questions and found a couple of facs > dealing with them, but because of my newby condition, it all looked > vague and complex for me. it would be great if someone could spot me > clear resources on these issues. many thanks in advance! > > rodrigo > > -- .''`. : :' : Debian -- The Universal Operating System `. `'` http://www.debian.org/ `- -- -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
