Evolution coming to a desktop near you

Arnawa Widagda, Contributor, Jakarta

This April, Microsoft launched the 64-bit version of Windows XP. Not to be confused with Windows Server 64-bit for Itanium HPC systems and servers, Windows 64-bit is geared for desktop systems, using 64 bit desktop processors, such as the already- available AMD Athlon 64 or the coming Pentium 4 with EM64T technology.

Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 64-bit will not run on older, 32-bit processors. However, you can still use 32- bit applications through a software layer Microsoft calls WoW 64.

Unlike previously with Itanium systems, WoW 64 will let you run 32-bit applications at the speed of native applications. In addition, the 64-bit version of your application might even go a little faster.

Of course, to get the full potential from this 64-bit evolution, you will not only need to use Windows 64-bit and 64- bit applications, but you will also have to use 64-bit drivers for your hardware.

Microsoft have made assurances that the shipping version of Windows 64-bit will come with updated, 64-bit version drivers for your hardware. Most manufacturers have also released Windows 64- bit drivers for their products, so you could still download them directly if they are not available in the Windows 64-bit installation package.

As for applications and utilities, software vendors everywhere in the world have been preparing the 64-bit version of their products for some time now. Rest assured, they will quickly launch these after Windows 64-bit hits the shelves, which should be no later than the end of April.

If you don't want to wait or you are an application developer eager to develop 64-bit versions of your applications, Microsoft offers a free, technological preview version of Windows 64 that you can either download directly from Microsoft's website or get it in a CD that will be mailed to you.

Some games have also taken advantage of 64-bit technology: Shadow Ops, Red Mercury and Chronicles of Riddick, and Escape from Butcher Bay come bundled with 64-bit versions.

Other game developers have also pledged support for 64-bit technology, like Epic with their Unreal franchise, Crytek, which developed the surprise title FarCry in 2004, and Valve with their Half-Life 2 and Counterstrike: Source.

Unlike the jump from Windows 3.11 to Windows 95 and Windows 2000 to Windows XP, there is little change from the current Windows XP. Microsoft will update the Windows user interface, codenamed Avalon, probably in 2006 through the release of Longhorn.

Windows 64 improvements and changes are mostly done under the hood, so most users won't really notice the difference. The hardware requirements other than the processor will stay the same: at least 256 MB of RAM and 500 MB of hard disk space.

Most people will likely upgrade to 512 MB if they haven't done so, since even Windows XP runs more smoothly with this much RAM.

There is still some concern related to security issues, since all Windows versions have all been plagued with them.

Microsoft is committed to fixing these issues, so Windows 64 will likely be as secure as Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed. If a security risk arises with Windows 64, Microsoft advises you to download an update from their website.

Features, such as the pop-up blocker for Internet Explorer and firewall for network and dial-up connections from the Service Pack 2 will also be available.

However, you may have to download new 64-bit, third-party utilities and antivirus programs to take extra precautionary measures.

Going 64-bit is an evolutionary step and Microsoft, working together with hardware manufacturers such as AMD and Intel, has made that step easier and less painful than previously.

So, if you already have the hardware, why not give Windows 64 a bit of a spin? Your application might even run faster.