8 GB RAM on 64 bit processor using 32 bit Ubuntu

I'm going to repeat the title in a longer word. Can a 32 bit Ubuntu address more than 4 gb of RAM on a 64 bit processor?

Solution 1:

You need to use the PAE Linux kernel. The installer should be able to select the PAE kernel for you. Make sure that when you install, there is Internet connectivity, so that you get the PAE kernel from the start. If in doubt, you can install using the DVD ISO of Ubuntu (which definitely has the PAE kernel). For more on PAE, see Enabling PAE.

Solution 2:

32-bit Ubuntu will automatically install PAE kernel if it detects 4GB RAM or more. You don't have to do anything at all about it. PAE kernel can address up to 64GB RAM. The performance penalty introduced by PAE is insignificant.

Solution 3:

Like everybody wrote, the system as a whole can use more than 4 GB with PAE. But each process can only address 4 GB.