[rspassey]

I have used Ubuntu 32 bit version on an older PC for a little while. That ended when I installed Smoothwall on that PC, and since then I have been using Windows XP on my computer in my sig. I have a spare 300 GB HDD installed and have been debating installing Ubuntu again so I can further learn more about Linux, possible improve my skills with alternate OS's (could prove helpful in the future), and because I enjoyed working with Ubuntu for the short time I had used it.

I have a few questions regarding the 64 bit version :
--- Is it as stable as the 32 bit version with AMD 64 CPUs?
--- Is there equal driver support for Ubuntu64 as it's 32 bit version has?
--- Will I be able to run applications which are only 32 bit? - or is it like x64

I also have a few questions regarding drivers which I hope someone could help me with :
--- I have heard Linux SLI drivers are horrible in comparison to Windows SLI drivers. While benchmarking proves this to be true, does anyone know if newer more improved SLI drivers are going to be released for Linux? Or is this something I shouldn't worry about, and just continue to game with Windows XP?
--- Has Creative released X-FI drivers for Linux? If so, I can't seem to find them, and honestly, if I don't get to listen to my music while fiddling around with Linux, I don't think I will enjoy it as much.

And finally I would like some recommendations for software to use after installing Unbuntu (at this moment I am leaning toward the 32 bit version).
--- I use Open Office now with Windows, I assume I will continue using that.
--- A media player? Possibly one which also comes with most of the codecs required to listen / rip media files.
--- Browser; Firefox like I use now.
--- Messenger Client? Perhaps something similar to Trillian. I can't remember if one comes packaged or not.


Any help will be highly appreciated. I have still 2 more weeks before school starts, so I have plenty of time to fiddle around.

Thanks In Advance,
Ryan124712