First Look : Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for AMD64
Posted by: Newsfactory on: 09/05/2003 02:12 PM [ Print | 2 comment(s) ] · 2857 views
A big thanks to our bro's at the other batcave Winxpcentral.com for the Info that GamePC have thrown up the first look at Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for AMD64!
Moving away from X86 is bit of a chicken and egg scenario. Consumers don't want the hardware unless the software is there to support it, and software guys won't start developing software until there is available hardware on the market to back them up. Of the companies who have taken on the challenge of moving to 64-bit thus far (Intel, Sun, and Alpha), all have all been limited case scenarios. The companies have developed 64-bit processors specifically for usage in servers and high-end workstations, where the limited hardware and software that is compatible with their processors isn't much of an issue, as they are looking at a very targeted user base.
AMD's move to 64-bit processing is much more challenging, as they are targeting home users, gamers, and everyday business folks. In these markets, the amount of software, drivers, and subsequent headaches rises by leaps and bounds. AMD's goal is to succeed where all of its competitors have failed, and succeeding in this goal not only requires flawless execution of the 64-bit hardware, but cooperation from some of the biggest names in the industry as well. There's little doubt that the key player in this equation is Microsoft, whose release of Windows XP for AMD64 will be the litmus test to see if the world is ready to accept AMD's take on 64-bit computing, or if the platform will be headed for obscurity.
First Look : Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for AMD64
Moving away from X86 is bit of a chicken and egg scenario. Consumers don't want the hardware unless the software is there to support it, and software guys won't start developing software until there is available hardware on the market to back them up. Of the companies who have taken on the challenge of moving to 64-bit thus far (Intel, Sun, and Alpha), all have all been limited case scenarios. The companies have developed 64-bit processors specifically for usage in servers and high-end workstations, where the limited hardware and software that is compatible with their processors isn't much of an issue, as they are looking at a very targeted user base.
AMD's move to 64-bit processing is much more challenging, as they are targeting home users, gamers, and everyday business folks. In these markets, the amount of software, drivers, and subsequent headaches rises by leaps and bounds. AMD's goal is to succeed where all of its competitors have failed, and succeeding in this goal not only requires flawless execution of the 64-bit hardware, but cooperation from some of the biggest names in the industry as well. There's little doubt that the key player in this equation is Microsoft, whose release of Windows XP for AMD64 will be the litmus test to see if the world is ready to accept AMD's take on 64-bit computing, or if the platform will be headed for obscurity.
First Look : Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for AMD64
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Lithorus Unregistered |
#46935 Posted on: 09/05/2003 03:06 PM
One of the things that will be really interesting : "What will be very interesting is if we see Intel branded products, such as network adapters and RAID controllers, being updated with AMD64 compatible drivers. After all, Intel products are quite vital to the workstation and server markets, even if they are just third-party add-in cards which are being used with AMD Opteron platforms. We threw a fairly standard Intel EtherExpress 10/100 NIC on our Opteron / Windows 64 test platform, and it did not have compatible drivers available by default. Keep in mind, this same NIC has native 32-bit Windows XP drivers." |
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Mertsch Senior Member Posts: 2708 Joined: 2002-08-22 |
#46938 Posted on: 09/05/2003 04:54 PM
very good article ... |
