PowerPC, 32-bit vs PowerPC, 64-bit

Question

PowerPC, 32-bit vs PowerPC, 64-bit

Hello,

I am in the process of needing to download and install MySQL. The MySQL site offers downloads for Mac OS X 10.4 (PowerPC, 32-bit) and Mac OS X 10.4 (PowerPC, 64-bit).

How do I tell which PowerPC download is applicable to me? I suspect it is the 32-bit, but want to make sure I download the correct file.

I use a G4 at home and a G5 at work.

Any info greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Shelley

Power PC G4, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Feb 11, 2007 1:54 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 11, 2007 4:01 PM in response to Shelley Schreiber

A quick Google search found these sites. Don't know if they answer your question.

Developing 64-bit Applications
http://developer.apple.com/macosx/64bit.html

32-bit vs 64-bit Performance Under Mac OS X
http://www.geekpatrol.ca/2006/09/32-bit-vs-64-bit-performance/

Mac OS X 10.3 Panther will not be a 64-bit OS
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/07/07/macosx/

 Cheers, Tom

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Answer 2

Feb 12, 2007 8:51 AM in response to Texas Mac Man

Thanks for the pointers, Tom.

It looks like OS 10.4 is 64-bit capable but only on a G-5. The articles don't really address my question and talk only about developing 64-bit applications and the pros and cons of doing this. Plus it appears that a system needs mucho RAM memory to take advantaage of 64-bit stuff.

All I want to know is which MySQL version to download to my G4 at home and my G5 at work. But I think it is the 32-bit package I need.

I'll do a bit more research and let you know what transpires.

🙂
Shelley

Power PC G5 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Power PC G4 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Power PC G5 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

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Answer 3

Spire

Level 4

1,300 points

Feb 12, 2007 2:10 PM in response to Shelley Schreiber

G4's are 32 bit and the G5's are 64 bit

10.4 has some 64 bit components but for full 64 bit computing one will probably have to wait for Leopard which will roll out the 64 bit OS for most things I believe.

64 bit computing isn't really that big a deal yet, more about future software, but if you have a G5 why not use it. The great thing about OS X is that it will run them side by side so you can mix and match 32 and 64 bit Apps on the 64 bit processors so you don't have to upgrade everything at once or do without your older 32 bit apps.

--Spire

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