In 2006, I wrote an article for this technical perspective that talked about 64-bit PC’s. (http://newsletters.hagerman.com/newsletters/ebul40-WP.htm).  In it I discussed the advent of the 64-bit architecture along with a history of the PC processor. Time passed. In 2007 I revisited the topic talking about operating systems and applications that run in Native 64-bit mode. (http://newsletters.hagerman.com/newsletters/ebul56-WP.htm) Here we are in 2008 and the subject has come up again. People who are looking at new computer purchases want to get the biggest, fastest machine they can afford, and that is not a bad thing. That means looking at a dual or quad core machine with Windows XP Professional 64 (people are still saying NO to Vista, and with good reason). But then they look for applications. That is the rub. Over two years since the proliferation of 64-bit technologies, applications still lag. Let me share with you what I have found.

Application Development
For many years now, leading applications have been developed for PC’s on the 32-bit platform. It was really simple economics. The platform was widespread, it was mature and it simply had the biggest audience. Applications that first ran on the 64-bit architecture were ‘ported’. They ran in a special memory space called ‘compatibility mode’. What this meant was that some programs would ‘run’, but they were not taking advantage of the pluses that 64-bit hardware and operating systems brought to the table.

Has the 64-bit Future Arrived?
True 64-bit computing has been around for over 16 years now. People who have been referred to as UNIX snobs (their term, not mine) have been using 64-bit RISC-based processors to run high end and mission critical servers. Big name companies had their RISC-based processor systems such as Sun Microsystems Inc.'s SPARC, IBM's Power and Hewlett-Packard Co.'s PA-RISC. Still, professionals in 3D design, animation, and engineering… even hard core gamers constantly demand more memory and the high-performance graphics that are enabled by 64-bit addressability. Intel and AMD have risen to the challenge and have provided the 64-bit processors for the future. But just as adoption of Windows Vista has been slow, so has the adoption of 64-bit technology. First it was the hardware costs. When the prices started to drop, there were no applications

Problems
While hardware is relatively easy to get and at prices that are always dropping, the application still fail to be there as are drivers for some hardware. Many applications STILL will ‘support’ being used in a 64 bit Windows and hardware environment, but they do so in that emulation or compatibility mode. Other applications will not work in a 64 bit environment at all. There are still only a handful of applications are actually designed on 64 bit architecture for Windows based systems.
 

So where are the applications?
Well, that is my question too. I have searched the internet looking for application. There are two web sites that do a pretty good job of listing the true 64-bit applications. The first of the web sites is Start64 (http://www.start64.com/index.php) is a very good reference site for applications, drivers and all things 64-bit and has a search function. There are also ‘recommendations’ about what applications to use, problems with drivers, etc. The second web site is 64x Software (http://www.64xsoft.com) which touts itself as ‘the Catalogue of 64-bit Software’ and they do a good job too. They have a section on their main page that, by category, lists the number of applications that are available in a particular category. As of the date of this writing (March 2008) the categories show just how sparse the applications are for the categories! I included a screen shot of that chart, shown below:

So where does that leave us? Well, just as with upgrades, you should always check with your local hardware and software provider to make sure your hardware, operating system and applications will be compatible. Nothing is worse than having to explain that the big purchase you just made of new hardware, new operating system and new or upgraded applications will not work with each other!

How can I get more information on this subject?
You can get more information about this subject? Well if you have support with us, ask us. Often times we will have additional suggestions about new solutions or emerging best practices. If you have questions or comments about this article, contact me (JohnBoline@hagerman.com).

All product names / logos, company names / logos are copyrights of their respective holders. John Boline is an MCSE, CNE, USE and a member of the Network Professional Association. The content herein is often based on late-breaking events. Much of the material is based on information from sources that are believed to be reliable. Hagerman & Company, Inc. disclaims all warranties as to the ultimate accuracy or completeness of the information. Hagerman & Company, Inc. and its employees shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained within this article or for any interpretations thereof. The recommendations, positions and best practice policies outlined herein represent Hagerman & Company, Inc. initial analysis and therefore are subject to change as further information which may have bearing on these positions is made available. The reader assumes sole responsibility for the selection of these materials to achieve its intended results. The opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Entire contents © 2008 Hagerman & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this publication in any form without prior written permission is forbidden.