Linux 64bit (Yes I will be Making One)

[Urkle]

if I build them they will both be included in the installer. And actually the pre-order gets you all 3 OSes.

The frustrating thing about 64bit is peoples misunderstanding of it. The reality is, unless an application needs more than 4GB of ram there is no need to make it 64bit.. it actually hurts.. as it ends up using more ram (64bit pointers instead of 32bit pointers). All of the enhancements 64bit would normally get (wider memory instruction sets) have been available for YEARS under the names of 3dnow, SSE, SSE 2, etc... So the perfomance boost of being able to copy 64bits at a time (actually with those extra instruction sets we can copy 128bits at a time) are already available.. So 64bit is only useful for database, video, and 3d rendering, or any other app that REALLY needs more ram.

What I do find hilarious is Intel made a huge announcement about how they will never make a 64bit "desktop" processor. And then AMD comes around the corner announcing their AMD64 line for desktops using the 32-64 bi-arch design (what all 64bit processors intel and amd are using now). So intel played catchup. AMD's motive (most likely) behind that is simplifying their production. They make one line of CPUs and cover all bases (desktop and server). A good marketing move.

And the myth that you can't access more than 4GB on a 32bit OS is false. as I can access all of my ram in a 32bit OS.. just each app can only access a max of 4GB.

Anyways, I will most likely be providing a 64bit linux build simply for the fact that it simplifies support and installation for users who do not want to install the 32bit libraries in their 64bit OS. I just have to get a 64bit linux install @home to start playing with building to make sure everything works.