Re: Inconsistent results for checking whether the OS is 32 or 64 bit

On 2024-07-17, Christian Vanguers wrote:

17 Jul 24 15:03, you wrote to all:
>
 AF> $ uname -m
 AF> aarch64
>
This shows your kernel is 64-bit
>
 AF> $ getconf LONG_BIT
 AF> 32
>
This indicates that the user applications are compiled for a 32-bit
architecture.
>
 AF> $ dpkg --print-architecture
 AF> armhf
>
This shows the distribution you have installed is for the 32-bit ARM
architecture
>
 AF> Which one is right?
>
The mix you have is because Raspbian (Raspberry Pi OS) can be installed with a
64-bit kernel while using 32-bit user space applications.

OK, that makes sense because I also get

$ file /lib/systemd/systemd
/lib/systemd/systemd: ELF 32-bit LSB pie executable, ARM, [ETC.]

It is a common configuration to maximize compatibility while allowing the
benefits of a 64-bit kernel.

I'm starting to wonder if I just moved the SD card and external USB
drive from a 2 to a 4B when I got the 4B and kept upgrading. Would
that explain this situation?

If you want to run a fully 64-bit system on your RPi 4B, I'm afraid you got to
reinstall.

Oh, I'm not surprised by that. It will be a bit of a nuisance because
the SD card is only used for /boot --- everything else is on the
external drive.


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