IMac - 64/32 bit?

Doriguzzi · Doriguzzi #1 (**permalink**)

12-29-2011, 12:24 PM

My MacBookPro is showing signs of getting into retirement. I am looking at replacing it with the 27" IMac.

I have a couple programs that are 32-bit and am wondering if the Imac (which I believe is 64-bit) can still handle 32-bit software.

???

louishen · louishen #2 (**permalink**)

12-29-2011, 12:46 PM

Do not worry about the whole 64 32 bit thing on OSX.

A mac running a 32 bit OS will run any mac app, since even the ones 64 bit enabled come as Universal binaries, i.e. contain 32 and 64 bit code.

An OS such as 10.7 Lion runs a 64 bit kernel, so is totally 64 bit but happily runs any 64 bit app as 64 bit but also runs any intel 32 bit apps as well.

With a modern Mac running Lion the only issue you will encounter are any old pre intel apps that have not been updated from the old PowerPC code, like Office 2004

louishen #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 22, 2007 Location: London Posts: 8,654 Mac Specs: Mac Mini Core i7 2012 \| White 2009 MacBook 2 Ghz \| 733 Mhz G4 Quicksilver	12-29-2011, 12:46 PM Do not worry about the whole 64 32 bit thing on OSX. A mac running a 32 bit OS will run any mac app, since even the ones 64 bit enabled come as Universal binaries, i.e. contain 32 and 64 bit code. An OS such as 10.7 Lion runs a 64 bit kernel, so is totally 64 bit but happily runs any 64 bit app as 64 bit but also runs any intel 32 bit apps as well. With a modern Mac running Lion the only issue you will encounter are any old pre intel apps that have not been updated from the old PowerPC code, like Office 2004 Member of the Month September 2008 & August 2012 \| Found advice useful? – use the rep system
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Doriguzzi #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Jul 25, 2011 Posts: 3	12-29-2011, 12:24 PM My MacBookPro is showing signs of getting into retirement. I am looking at replacing it with the 27" IMac. I have a couple programs that are 32-bit and am wondering if the Imac (which I believe is 64-bit) can still handle 32-bit software. ???
	QUOTE Thanks

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