====== 32 or 64 bit CPU ======

To find out if the CPU in a computer is 32 or 64 bit, open the terminal and try these commands.

Good:
'' " sudo cat /proc/cpuinfo | egrep -c lm " ''  ( if 1 or more, then lm = long mode = 64 bit )

Better:
'' " sudo dmidecode -t processor | tail -3 " ''  ( Characteristics: 64 bit capable )

Best:
'' " sudo getconf -a | grep LONG_BIT " ''   ( shows either 32 or 64 )



Note:  Using " uname -a " (or -m for short) only shows the type of kernel that is running.

A 32 bit kernel ( i386, i586, i686 ) can be run on a 64 bit capable CPU.

A 64 bit kernel ( x86_64 ) requires a 64 bit capable CPU to run.


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For example:  ( Two similar XEON DUAL CPU machines )


A 64 BIT CAPABLE CPU

    " cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep processor "
    processor   : 0
    processor   : 1
    processor   : 2
    processor   : 3



    " cat /proc/cpuinfo | egrep -c lm "
    4



    " dmidecode -t processor | grep Family "
    Family: Xeon
    Signature: Type 0, Family 15, Model 4, Stepping 1
    Family: Xeon
    Signature: Type 0, Family 15, Model 4, Stepping 1



    " dmidecode -t processor | tail -3 "
    Characteristics:
    64-bit capable



    " getconf -a | grep LONG_BIT "
    LONG_BIT                            64


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A 32 BIT CAPABLE CPU (otherwise, a very similar machine)

    " cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep processor "
    processor   : 0
    processor   : 1
    processor   : 2
    processor   : 3
    


    " cat /proc/cpuinfo | egrep -c lm "
    0




    " dmidecode -t processor | grep Family "
    Family: Xeon
    Signature: Type 0, Family 15, Model 2, Stepping 9
    Family: Xeon
    Signature: Type 0, Family 15, Model 2, Stepping 9




    " dmidecode -t processor | tail -3 "
    L2 Cache Handle: 0x0703
    L3 Cache Handle: Not Provided




    " getconf -a | grep LONG_BIT "
    LONG_BIT                           32