OS 10.6: 32-bit vs. 64-bit boot up - what "Legacy" apps NEED 32-bit??

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By default, Snow Leopard boots up in 32-bit mode. I've been told this is for backwards compatibility for older applications.

I can boot into 64-bit mode by holdig down the "6" and the "4" key at boot up, or I can get the SixtyFourSwitcher preference pane that will boot either 64 or 32-bit based on the saved setting.

Does anyone know what "legacy" applications need 32-bit?

I mainly use MicroSoft RDC, VMWare Fusion 2.0.6 and X11.
I'm assuming everything that came with Snow Leopard will be fine (main, Safari, terminal and X11) - yes?
 

vansmith

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VMWare Fusion 2.0.6 requires a 32-bit kernel as the extensions are built for a 32-bit kernel. See here for more info. In all honesty, you don't need to run the 64-bit kernel.
 

bobtomay

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Open Activity Monitor

Look at the CPU activity and you can find the apps you use that are 32 bit.

Among them you'll find VMWare, iTunes, Firefox, Opera and most probably just about every third party app you use.
 
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Open Activity Monitor

Look at the CPU activity and you can find the apps you use that are 32 bit.

Among them you'll find VMWare, iTunes, Firefox, Opera and most probably just about every third party app you use.

All of which, except for VMWare, will work fine with a 64-bit kernel.

The big problem is drivers.
 

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