Is it possible to run 32 bit and 64 bit OS's each on a Virtualized Server?

switch_abx · 06-18-2006, 04:51 AM

Assume you install a Linux 64 bit Distro, e.g SUSE 10.1 64 bit, together with Xen 3.02 in 64 bit on a Virtualized (hardware) Server.

Would it be possible to run a 32 bit OS one one Virtual Server and a 64 bit OS on another Virtual Server? In other words, is it possible to have a mix of 32 bit and 64 bit OS's on one system? Could be done, isn't?

Jorrell · 07-04-2006, 08:07 PM

I would think so although what I've seen from Xen is that it's not actually possible currently. Supposedly the kernel has to be the same in dom0 and domU. I'm not sure why that is since x86-64 bit processors can handle both 32 and 64 bit without trouble. I would think this would extend into the domUs although it doesn't seem like it does.

I'm pretty sure you can run 32-bit apps like normal in a 64-bit dom0/domU configuration. So if you really want to just setup your dom0 and domU as 64 and then include all the 32 bit libraries you need for your 32 bit apps.

It might be possible on vmware, its a somewhat different kind of virtualization. I could test that pretty quick I suppose, I have FC5 64bit w/ vmware running on a P-D at the lab.

06-18-2006, 04:51 AM	#1
switch_abx Xen now Citrix's Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 2,607	Is it possible to run 32 bit and 64 bit OS's each on a Virtualized Server? Assume you install a Linux 64 bit Distro, e.g SUSE 10.1 64 bit, together with Xen 3.02 in 64 bit on a Virtualized (hardware) Server. Would it be possible to run a 32 bit OS one one Virtual Server and a 64 bit OS on another Virtual Server? In other words, is it possible to have a mix of 32 bit and 64 bit OS's on one system? Could be done, isn't? Last edited by switch : 06-18-2006 at 06:36 AM.
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07-04-2006, 08:07 PM	#2
Jorrell baka neko Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714	I would think so although what I've seen from Xen is that it's not actually possible currently. Supposedly the kernel has to be the same in dom0 and domU. I'm not sure why that is since x86-64 bit processors can handle both 32 and 64 bit without trouble. I would think this would extend into the domUs although it doesn't seem like it does. I'm pretty sure you can run 32-bit apps like normal in a 64-bit dom0/domU configuration. So if you really want to just setup your dom0 and domU as 64 and then include all the 32 bit libraries you need for your 32 bit apps. It might be possible on vmware, its a somewhat different kind of virtualization. I could test that pretty quick I suppose, I have FC5 64bit w/ vmware running on a P-D at the lab. __________________
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