“The 64-bit edition of Windows XP or Vista will run on 64-bit Macs with 32-bit EFI via Boot Camp because Windows doesn’t use EFI; it still lives in the simpler world of BIOS,” Dilger reports.
“However, running a 64-bit kernel on these machines is of limited benefit. While there are certain advantages with the move to a 64-bit kernel, including new security enhancements, the primary benefit of a 64-bit kernel is being able to directly work with significantly more than 4GB of RAM, something that most existing consumer Macs and generic PCs can’t do anyway,” Dilger reports.
“For this reason, Snow Leopard also defaults to running its 32-bit kernel even on consumer models with 64-bit EFI,” Dilger reports. “This prevents mainstream users from running into problems related to incompatible kernel extensions and device drivers (such as printer software), which aren’t yet 64-bit.”
Dilger reports, “This problem has helped repress the popularity of the 64-bit editions of Windows over the last several years, but won’t hold up 64-bit Mac adoption because there is only one edition of Snow Leopard, one that runs on all Intel Macs and simply adjusts itself to the limitations of the given hardware.”
Full article here.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Carl H.” for the heads up.]
Get in my spitfire.
Good, glad that got cleared up … d’oh
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64, 32, 16, or 128
This Cold White Kitty is FAST
BC
Runs snappier on my MacBook.
BC
what has your wife got to do with this?….
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Interesting that PsyStar filed for bankruptcy, but still has enough money to run ads.
Significant performance increases on my Air- $29.00 well spent.
Haha.
My apparent non sequitor was actually a comment on the wrong story. Sorry.
The whole 64 vs. 32bit XP was a massive mess from the get-go. Practically nobody is running 64-bit, and those that do aren’t quite sure if all their apps do. Not to mention that there is practically no performance difference between the two versions. And they are TWO distinct versions of XP; you can have either one or the other.
Just as usual, Apple’s answer to an existing technology milestone is simpler, more intuitive, more effective and more complete.
And for the record, my two portables (2007 MB and 2008 MBP) are significantly faster this week than they were last week (guess why).
And I’ll be
Takin’ care of bitness, every day,
Takin’ care of bitness, every way ….
All I know is, my 2.16GHz Intel Core 2 Duo iMac is much snappier running Snow Leopard!
@Mike Nevin
what has your wife got to do with this?….props to TT
I happen to like complicated. I bought XP 64 bit and have been fiddling with it on my home built power tower ever since (obviously along with my gorgeous Asus Laptop running Vista Ultimate 64 bit). I spend 8hrs a day at work and 7hrs at home tinkering with my systems to get them exactly how I like them. Time well spent! I don’t understand why all you Mac Lemmings can’t see the benefits of Microsoft’s wonderful OS. Windows 7 will be amazing! Can’t wait.
Microsoft: Compatibility through brilliance.
I heard George Michael got 69 bit on his Mac…..
“I’m sorry, Dave. I can’t do that.”
Microsoft: Turbidity through plagiarism.