Is possible to enable Multilib on Slackware 32?

Xerxeslins · 08-22-2014, 04:35 PM

Hello, is possible to enable multilib Slackware 32-bit? I know it would be better to install Slackware 64 and then enable the multilib. My question is just a curiosity. If this is possible, what steps needed to do this in addition to recompile 64-bit kernel? Thank you.

moisespedro · 08-22-2014, 04:39 PM

Didier Spaier · 08-22-2014, 04:51 PM

Technically, that will be possible if one makes a work similar to the one done by Alien Bob but the other way round, see this page.

But if making a Slackware 64 multilib allows to run programs provided as 32 bit binaries only, on the other hand I am not aware of programs provided as 64 bit binaries only, so I fail to see what could be the benefit of doing that hard work.

T3slider · 08-22-2014, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Didier Spaier

Technically, that will be possible if one makes a work similar to the one done by Alien Bob but the other way round, see this page.

No, I don't think that is possible. The x86_64 architecture provides backwards compatibility with x86 but the reverse isn't true...if you have 32-bit kernel/userland (the CPU is running in legacy x86 mode), then you're confined to 32-bit. And of course even if it were possible, there would be no advantage to doing so...

Didier Spaier · 08-22-2014, 05:41 PM

@T3slider: I stand corrected, thanks for the explanation.

TobiSGD · 08-22-2014, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Didier Spaier

on the other hand I am not aware of programs provided as 64 bit binaries only,

I know at least of XCOM: Enemy Unknown. It has no 32 bit version and won't get one.

Anyways,

Quote:

Originally Posted by T3slider

No, I don't think that is possible. The x86_64 architecture provides backwards compatibility with x86 but the reverse isn't true...if you have 32-bit kernel/userland (the CPU is running in legacy x86 mode), then you're confined to 32-bit.

If you start with replacing the kernel with a 64 bit kernel this is indeed possible, a 64 bit kernel will run the 32 bit userland just fine, except possibly for some proprietary drivers.

Quote:

And of course even if it were possible, there would be no advantage to doing so...

This. I cannot see why one would do this, except of course for fun and educational value.

garpu · 08-22-2014, 05:53 PM

What're you trying to do that you'd need a mostly 32-bit system with some support for 64-bit applications? What you're wanting to do might give options for better advice.

Xerxeslins · 08-23-2014, 10:06 PM

I read in a forum, saying that a user wants to do this, and was full of doubts. But I think it's a task that borders on the impossible. I was just curious. Not intend to do that. Thank you!