Everybody who runs an AMD64 Linux system might have seen these errors before:

I’m running Ubuntu Linux and it is quite well known that some 32-bit apps refuse to start on an AMD64 (x86_64) system. Recently I’ve found out how to get Acrobat Reader and VMware started, even with my native GTK2 theme.

After a system update yesterday, Firefox crashes far too often. It crashes (segfaults) everytime I reload a webpage. I assume that it is due to a system misconfiguration on my behalf. Don’t actually know.

Anyway, I wanted to install a new nightly snapshot of Firefox today. No chance. The only thing the firefox-installer program returns is a bunch of error messages (see above). After browsing some forums, mailing lists, and webpages, I finally found out how to get the 32-bit Firefox installed:

It is quite simple: In Ubuntu, there is a pango configuration directory for 32-bit modules in /etc/pango32/. Create a pangorc file in /etc/pango32/ with the following content:

Unfortunately, the Pango modules in /usr/lib32/pango/1.4.0/ seem to be missing in Ubuntu (breezy). You’ll have to copy them from another 32-bit system.

Next, initialize the GTK\_PATH and PANGO\_RC\_FILE environment variables prior to running Firefox (or the firefox-installer):

export GTK_PATH=/usr/lib32/gtk-2.0/
export PANGO_RC_FILE=/etc/pango32/pangorc

That’s it. Firefox will start normally now — maybe with some additional warnings. I haven’t checked if Thunderbird can be installed this way, too. I nevertheless think so.

Update: Here’s a FAQ: http://wiki.debian.net/?DebianAMD64Faq

Update: Alexandre Strube told me that breezy actually contains all requires Pango libraries. Maybe I was missing something. On his system, however, some other funny phenomenon occurs — the buttons have no borders anymore:

It is never easy to stop thinking when thoughts are going crazy. The same is true for dealing with idiotic people. Even though these problems are not directly related to each other, both are awkward. You can only try to give you best, disregarding the actual consequences. Thinking about past events is often futile. Sometimes, however, it can be helpful. It’s up to you.

If, however, some stupid, ignorant and arrogant guys think that they’re omniscient and impeccable, some guys that can influence your mood and your professional reputation in a way that you are almost unable to get your work done, you often can’t do anything by yourself. This is one of the most unpleasant situations one can get into.

Just wanted to mention this … dazzlingly, me.

Why’s everything so dratted complicated and why am I so madly fascinated?