Question on 64-bit + 32-bit

[Heinz Diehl]

On 03.06.2012, Timothy Murphy wrote: 

> A very elementary question, I assume:
> Why are 32-bit applications (as well as 64-bit)
> downloaded on a 64-bit system?

In a 64-bit only system, they are not needed. However..

> Are they essential, ie would the system run without them?

..it can happen that you have installed something which is only
available in 32-bit, and thus depends on some 32-bit stuff. Removing
it will cause that all applications which depends on it can't work
properly any longer.

A popular example: acroread. But there are more.

Short version: don't delete anything without hvaing checked the dependencies
first.