I have been using the 64 bit version of kubuntu since dapper, and have always refrained from installing proprietary 32 bit applications such as skype, Adobe reader and even the Amazon mp3 downloader. Flash has always been an issue too. Today though, I was forced to get adobe reader working (it has nice booklet printing options that I can not find in any other program). After a bit of googling I can across getlibs a simple application to download required 32 bit libraries for 32 bit binaries. You simply install the 32 bit deb with –force-architecture and then run “sudo getlibs executable.” Then try running the program. If it still fails, you may may have to run getlibs against the executable again (probably because the program depends on a library later in the program). So far I have installed Adobe reader, firefox-2 i386 for flash and skype. All three work flawlessly. Getlibs has alot more options, such as the ability to install compatibility libraries by library name.
I think it would awesome integrated into GDebi, of course with a educational warning about looking for a 64-bit version first. This would make it far easier for users to transition to future of 64-bit linux.
