Linux newbie Q on 64 bit Fedora

[student123]

Hello Fedora World!

I have a 64 bit mainboard/processor (amd 64) but have been running 32 bit windows.
Im now switching to linux to get 64 bit. Have 4GB RAM , but need to increase that soon.
I have installed fedora 12 from a cd & get status report:

linux 2.6.31.5-127.fc12.i686PAE

(the mostly automatic install didnt ask for me to select 32 or 64 bit)

Have I really got installed a 32 bit OS with a PAE 'workaround' to access more than 4gb RAM when I should be wlloking for a 'true' 64 bit system?

Is Fedora Core 5 a 64 bit equivalent to fedora 12?? Should I go get a different cd with
core 5 on & install that.

I understand PAE will allow access to > 4gb ram, but as the m/b & processor are 64 bit
I would prefer 'the real deal' rather than a workaround.

Mike

[SlowJet]

Yes, you need to get the 64-bit iso.
There would not be a 32-bit kerenl on the 64-bit install iso.

I recommend the dvd (and 32-bit if you are new to Fedora Linux.)

SJ

[ozjd]

Welcome to Fedora and to the forum.

Sounds like you used a 32 bit cd. To get 64 bit you will need to reinstall from a 64 bit cd. See http://fedoraproject.org/en/get-fedora-all

You will find little apparent difference between the 2. Many people with 64 bit hardware are happy using 32bit pae. You will find several threads discussing the differences.

FC5 is obsolete and and not equivalent to F12.