[H-GEN] linux x86-64 distro for AMD64

[Tony Nugent]

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I'm about to upgrade a server box to a dual AMD64 (my first look at
these new processors).

I am initially planning to set it up running a standard 32bit
athlon/i686 kernel/OS, but I'm wondering if anyone has a copy of an
AMD64 linux distro that I can use to evaluate its 64bit native mode
(and 32bit compatability, etc).

I know that redhat has gingin (beta, unsupported), and both mandrake
and suse already have commercially available AMD64 versions of their
distros.  (No, I'm not asking for bootlegs... but then again, just
for a wee look?? :)

A 64bit version is in the works for debian, but I'm not holding my
breath as their x86-64 mailing list has only just been created :)
Strangely, microsoft don't seem to have AMD64 versions available
(only for the intel 64bit itanium).

Has anyone a copy of gingin that I could use for a test drive?  (I'm
planning to be at the meeting on saturday, perhaps with this box if
it has arrived by then).

Are there any other x86-64 distros available?

  (I'm assuming that it is possible "incrementally upgrade" it by
  dropping in a x86-64 kernel, glibc, gcc, and perhaps perl, with
  the rest of the system consisting of 32bit compiled binaries until
  they are all eventually recompiled...)

Thanks.

BTW, this is one hot server box:
 - the motherboard:
   http://www.msi.com.tw/program/products/server/svr/pro_svr_detail.php?UID=441&MODEL=MS-9131
   - on/b video, Gbit ethernet x2, max 12Gb ram, etc.
 - the opteron processor(s):
   http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/ProductInformation/0,,30_118_8796,00.html
 - 1024Mb sdram x1, 120Gb WD ide HHD x3, cdrw etc
 - bang for buck! - total cost under $4k (eg, in bris, see
   http://www.i-central.com.au/)

Cheers
Tony

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