Feature #27
Support 64-bit operating systems
| Status: | Closed | Start: | 2010-07-01 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priority: | Normal | Due date: | ||
| Assigned to: | - | % Done: | 0% |
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| Category: | - | |||
| Target version: | - | |||
| Votes: | 2 |
Description
Currently only 32-bit Linux distributions are offered at BitFolk even though most of the host machines run 64-bit Debian. Some people request 64-bit.
The major advantage of 64-bit is better memory handling, which doesn't apply on VPSes that have such a small memory allowance, and may even prove detrimental.
It is possible that the extra registers available under 64-bit might improve some workloads.
A 64-bit install is required at the moment for using ZFS:
http://zfsonlinux.org/faq.html#WhyShouldIUseA64BitSystem
The main reason why BitFolk doesn't yet support 64-bit is purely because it would nearly double the number of install images that must be managed, and has no clear advantages.
Depends on issue #103 (rescue environment to support 64-bit).
Update: 2012-06-16: Due to the discovery of a bug in Intel CPUs which allow 64-bit paravirtual guests to crash or potentially take over the hypervisor, the running of 64-bit guests at BitFolk is currently disabled. Upgrades to fix the bug are being scheduled and after they are done 64-bit guests will again be technically possible. See http://lists.bitfolk.com/lurker/message/20120612.145214.5dabc7ba.en.html for more info.
History
Updated by admin almost 15 years ago
- Project changed from BitFolk to Operating Systems
Updated by admin almost 13 years ago
Added note to the description regarding CVE-2012-0217 which has lead to 64-bit guests being temporarily disabled at BitFolk.
Updated by admin over 12 years ago
Added link about ZFS on Linux requiring 64-bit
Updated by admin about 9 years ago
- Status changed from New to Resolved
64-bit is now the default at BitFolk. You can switch between 64- and 32-bit installers in the Xen Shell.
Updated by admin about 9 years ago
- Status changed from Resolved to Closed