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64-bit Software Availability
So you've now got your 64-bit CPU -
what actual 64-bit software will be available at launch?
Unfortunately, Microsoft wont be ready in time!
Operating System -
Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 3.0
Type - 32- & 64-bit
Availability - Beta
mid-2003
Operating System -
SuSE Linux 8.3 Personal & Professional
Type - 32- & 64-bit
Availability - September
2003
Operating System -
Windows XP Professional for AMD64
Type - 64-bit
Availability - Beta mid-2003
Support for AMD's 64-bit processors
is scheduled for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack
1
"Hopefully by the
end of the year." David Thompson,
Microsoft VP
So what does that mean for Windows fans?
As previously stated, 32-bit will work fine until
the 64-bit version is released.
With the usual support for new Operating Systems not
being that great anyway, the migration to complete
64-bit applications and games being available with
Windows XP 64-Bit Edition will more than likely be
minimal to start off with. This does not mean though
that you will have a Windows XP 64-bit OS working
but nothing to play on! Enter Microsoft WOW64 technology.
While 64-bit applications are required to take full
advantage of the extended capabilities of Windows
XP 64-Bit Edition and AMD64, you can install and run
most 32-bit applications seamlessly using the Integrated
Microsoft WOW64 (Windows on Windows) technology. WOW64
protects your investment by providing interoperability
across the 32/64 boundaries and ensuring that the
base code for both 32- and 64-bit applications runs
optimally on Windows XP 64-Bit Edition.
Enough of the technical jargon and teasing!
Lets see the beast in action!
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