32-bit vs 64-bit

By the way, atanere, I apologize for switching computers midstream like that. I didn’t even realize what I was doing or I would’ve at least told you about it.
 


Back on Page 2 (Post #30), I wrote:
I'd suggest concentrating one just one computer to start with. Get your Linux USB working and get Linux installed so you can start to learn it better and get a little more comfortable with it. Then start a new thread for each of your other computers
And this is probably a good time to regroup and refocus on what we're doing. We're at 6 pages now and haven't got a Linux running yet. You do not need wifi to install the Linux Mint USB on the original HP/Compaq computer. But it did not boot cleanly, and I don't think you tried it again with the 2nd option (acpi=off) that I suggested. You can try that, or not.

But we have established that you have an HP/Compaq that is 64-bit, and it has 2 GB of RAM. You also have a 32-bit laptop that has 4 GB of RAM. If there is a 3rd computer, please do not switch to it. :D

I'd suggest opening a new thread with a Title like, "64-bit HP needs Linux installed" or "32-bit (brand name) laptop needs Linux installed".... and start fresh, and stay on one computer. If you pick the HP/Compaq, we can still try to work with the current USB, but you may need something else anyway. If we switch to the laptop, you will have to download a new Linux file and burn it to USB, like you did last night.

Your call.
 
Last edited:
By the way, atanere, I apologize for switching computers midstream like that. I didn’t even realize what I was doing or I would’ve at least told you about it.
No problem. We learned more in the process. :D
 
Back on Page 2 (Post #30), I wrote:

And this is probably a good time to regroup and refocus on what we're doing. We're at 5 pages now and haven't got a Linux running yet. You do not need wifi to install the Linux Mint USB on the original HP/Compaq computer. But it did not boot cleanly, and I don't think you tried it again with the 2nd option (acpi=off) that I suggested. You can try that, or not.

But we have established that you have an HP/Compaq that is 64-bit, and it has 2 GB of RAM. You also have a 32-bit laptop that has 4 GB of RAM. If there is a 3rd computer, please do not switch to it. :D

I'd suggest opening a new thread with a Title like, "64-bit HP needs Linux installed" or "32-bit (brand name) laptop needs Linux installed".... and start fresh, and stay on one computer. If you pick the HP/Compaq, we can still try to work with the current USB, but you may need something else anyway. If we switch to the laptop, you will have to download a new Linux file and burn it to USB, like you did last night.

Your call.
The reason I decided to switch to the laptop last night was because you wanted me to check the Wi-Fi to see if it was working. That’s when I discovered there was no Wi-Fi on the Compaq and so I went to the laptop not thinking about what I was doing in the process. I think I would like to stick with the Compaq and get Linux put on it. I should be able to get a Wi-Fi connector for it very soon since they can be so cheaply had. So I will open a new thread with the Compaq needing Linux put on it and we can go from there. Hopefully I won’t have to download anything new and I can just takeoff from where I’m at.
I will start that thread right now.
 
you wanted me to check the Wi-Fi to see if it was working
I know... sometimes my instructions may not be clear (although I try). The idea was to check your wifi, sound, and other hardware from Linux Mint.... to make sure that Mint was recognizing everything okay. But since Mint did not boot, you couldn't check anything with it. :(

The overall idea is to run Linux on the USB (live mode) to be sure everything works... and THEN install it to the hard drive.
 
Oh, I’m doing a happy dance right now! I have Lenix running on the compact and it looks beautiful. I don’t think I’m gonna open a new thread until I get my Wi-Fi card or gizmo and if I need help I’ll let you know. In the meantime, I’m gonna play with this for a while. Thank you for all your help, and again I apologize for switching things midstream.
 
Yay!!! What did you do different? Was it the acpi=off setting?
 
No, all I did was insert the USB stick while the computer was still turned off, then I booted the computer, used escape to get into Linux and everything worked like clockwork. It was as if somebody fixed it so that it just did everything automatically. Isn’t that something? Modern technology is great. But I have so much to learn! LOL
 
Oh yes, you have a lot of learning ahead of you. But you have just given new life into an old computer, and that is very worthwhile... whether you keep it for yourself, or give it to friend/family.

If you are going to shop for a WiFi "dongle"... let me recommend this one: TP-Link TL-WN722N, at Amazon for about $15. I have had the absolute best luck with these with Linux. But other TP-Link models have been a disappointment, so don't think they are all good... they're not.

You might still open a new thread related to Linux Mint 19.2 MATE, if you have questions about it on the Compaq. There isn't much to do until you get the internet going, but look through the menus, open up a LibreOffice document, see if it will print to your printer (if you have one), and stuff like that. I think sounds may be turned off by default, so it's okay if you don't hear any sounds right away... but it is something you'll want to investigate and make sure they work, if you have speakers.

Happy it booted this time! :D:D:D
 
Yes, I already have questions so I am going to open up that new thread. I’m thrilled it worked and I’m so happy for all your help, you don’t know how grateful I am. Thank you so very much.
 
Yes, I already have questions so I am going to open up that new thread. I’m thrilled it worked and I’m so happy for all your help, you don’t know how grateful I am. Thank you so very much.
Okay, that will be good. We can carry on in the new thread. You still need to INSTALL it too (when you're satisfied that it will work okay for you). Installing quickly only takes about 20-30 minutes, but it will take longer for you to read everything at each screen, maybe ask questions here as you step through the process. So, maybe an hour, or even a little longer if a lot of questions. And if you goof up installing it, you just boot on the USB again and start over.

Open a thread for the laptop too, whenever you're ready. First thing will be to get you a 32-bit Linux and have you burn that to USB. But the whole process will be similar to what you've just accomplished.

Well done! :D
 
I just opened a new thread under Linux.
 
@arochester... it used to be common for manufacturers to install 32-bit Windows on a 64-bit CPU system. It probably saved them a little money.
Historical note: maybe so, but there were other good reasons. The availability of 64-bit drivers for the user's existing hardware was a problem. Maybe sill under development, or just as bad, very recently developed, and therefore buggy. A given amount of RAM 'goes farther' in 32-bit systems, and at that time, some new systems weren't as heavily-endowed with RAM as are today's. So they might actually have run better, with a 32-bit OS. My 2 cents-worth, anyway.
 
Last edited:


Top