I like to know whether it is better to use Debian Etch 32 bit or 64 bit version. I will start running standard server software (lamp, email, bind, openssl and ispconfig). Later I like to use red5 or Macromedia Flash Media Server. My server specs: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ 2 GB DDR2 RAM 2 x 400 GB SATA II What version would you recommend?
If you plan your server ever to have more than 4Gb of memory, you should definitely think about 64bit OS, I think. As your CPU is 64 bit, I think you can start using 64 bit OS just now. I am running 64 bit server on CentOS 5.2. It is not very different from 32 bit except some compilation issues (where libraries are in lib64 instead of lib for example). But as I mostly install RPMs, even this doesn't affect me.