Advice needed, PM 32 bit or 64 bit?

nana2 · Post by **nana2** » 2011-12-01, 17:28

In about 10 days I will get a new PC desktop, Win 7, 64 bit. Currently I have XP Home, 32 bit. Of course running Pale Moon browser 32 bit now.

Question:

Which version of Pale Moon would be best to install in the new machine, 32 or 64 bit? Is 64 bit running as stable/flawless as the 32 bit?
TIA

Post by **satrow** » 2011-12-01, 18:15

You could run both

They're both stable, the 32bit version has better media playing support (not a Mozilla/Pale Moon problem but a generic 64bit issue, makers of some plugins have yet to create 64bit versions).

My usage suggests that most people will almost never see a problem with the 64bit (providing the correct 64bit plugins are installed where needed), if they do, switching to the 32bit version for that page will cure most of those problems; any other issues are probably serverside - the webpage is poorly written: for example, only written for IE6 or Mozilla 3.x versions (most common on business LAN).

Post by **Moonchild** » 2011-12-01, 19:31

As cymroly said: they are both stable - it all depends on what you use in your current setup and/or want to use on your new system.

There are still very few plugins that have a 64-bit version, so if you want to do anything like in-browser gaming with a proprietary plugin (e.g. Unity3D etc.) or playing media in formats that require media plugins (e.g. Microsoft Windows Media) then you are better off installing the 32-bit browser. Also a word of warning: Adobe Flash 64-bit seems to be problematic at the moment on some computers where the plugin will keep crashing.

In short: the 64-bit version will run faster on a 64-bit operating system, but you have a trade-off for compatibility. If you want to use one installation for everything under the sun beyond regular browsing, then the 32-bit one may be the better choice. You can always switch later on.

nana2 · Post by **nana2** » 2011-12-03, 03:04

Great! Thank you for responding. Alright. I'm no gamer. Plugins I use: Microsoft Silverlight, Shockwave Flash and Java Platform - all latest versions. That's it. WMP is a no no, don't like it and therefore use VLC instead and Irfanview with its plugins. May be worth installing 32 bit first to see how it works as per Moonchild suggestion.

But, if I were to install 32 and 64 bit along side shouldn't be one of them a portable version on the PC or can they live side by side harmoniously?

Of course, if 64 bit runs faster it would be tempting to install it but wouldn't like it if some plugins aren't up to par due to incompatibility. TIA

megaman · Post by **megaman** » 2011-12-03, 03:26

You can try to run both versions side-by-side with diNovoM's Tutorial.

I can't tell the differences in speed, but you can always give it a shot. The 64-bit version runs great for everyday use. (Everyday use varies by the user, side-effects include lack of plug-ins and chances that some add-ons might not work, although a few have reported that many add-ons work.)

nana2 · Post by **nana2** » 2011-12-03, 21:31

Yes, I know how to install 2 profiles since I ran previously, in addition to a stable release, also beta versions of Fx. Didn't know/think one would have to create an additional profile for a 64 bit. Good to know. Thank you megaman.

Post by **Moonchild** » 2011-12-04, 18:43

You don't have to create a separate profile for 64-bit - you can share the profile between the two!
Just don't run both at the same time if you do.

nana2 · Post by **nana2** » 2011-12-05, 14:57

Thank you Moonchild.

Will try 32 bit first though.

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Advice needed, PM 32 bit or 64 bit?

Advice needed, PM 32 bit or 64 bit?

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Re: Advice needed, PM 32 bit or 64 bit?

Re: Advice needed, PM 32 bit or 64 bit?

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Re: Advice needed, PM 32 bit or 64 bit?