08-02-2024, 12:59 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-02-2024, 01:00 PM by Mike Watterson.)
The Mint 19.3 is last 32 bit Linux Mint. Later are all 64 bit only. It's possible to install 64 bit Linux on some PCs that have only 32 bit BIOS/UEFI and only had 32 bit Wi7 or Win10 (there is now no 32 bit Win10), usually Atoms with not enough RAM for Win10 64 bit. Linux can run in 2G RAM. Some Atoms simply don't have the address lines for more than 2G or 4G even if the socket s/mobo supports it.
There are other 32 bit Linux distros still supported.
The biggest issue now with 32 bit is that QT and thus many applications are 64bit only. Such as Calibre (Mac, Linux, Windows). An up-to-date browser is the problem with some 32 bit OS, because many Browsers are now only 64bit. On Linux use Chromium if you think you need Chrome or Edge (though both of those exist for Linux)..
Required CPU performance for Desktop Most -> Least
Gnome 3 or Unity, -> Cinnamon -> KDE -> Mate -> XFCE
Install more than one desktop and more than one user with Admin, so it's easy to fix if you break it. It shouldn't need re-installed.
There are other 32 bit Linux distros still supported.
The biggest issue now with 32 bit is that QT and thus many applications are 64bit only. Such as Calibre (Mac, Linux, Windows). An up-to-date browser is the problem with some 32 bit OS, because many Browsers are now only 64bit. On Linux use Chromium if you think you need Chrome or Edge (though both of those exist for Linux)..
Required CPU performance for Desktop Most -> Least
Gnome 3 or Unity, -> Cinnamon -> KDE -> Mate -> XFCE
Install more than one desktop and more than one user with Admin, so it's easy to fix if you break it. It shouldn't need re-installed.
