64bit Linux

[Neil Winchurst]

In May 2008 I bought a new computer (set up to my specs), which
included a 64bit AMD processor. At the time my distro was Mandriva so
I installed Mandriva 2006  64bit. I soon realised that it was early
days for 64bit on Linux, (eg some packages were available in 32bit
versions only). Before long I decided to start again so I installed the
32bit version instead.

In October 2006 I moved over to Kubuntu and installed Edgy, the 32bit
version. This is the distro that I am still using. My HD has now
reached the stage where it needs a good clear out and tidy up. I have
decided that the best and easiest way would be a completely fresh
install.

I am planning to install Kubuntu Hardy when it comes out next month.
Meanwhile it has occurred to me that 64bit Linux must have improved a
lot in the nearly two years since I tried it out. So at last to my
questions.

1 Am I right in assuming that 64bit Linux has improved since I tried it?
2 If the answer to that is yes, are there good reasons to move to 64bit?
3 Are there still some problems with it?
4 Do many people on the list use it or are most still on 32bit?
5 Does anyone have suggestions, advice, help for me about this?

Many thanks

Neil Winchurst