Is Mac OS an exclusively 64bit Operating System?

Question

I asked a question earlier about a Mac with 4GB of RAM, and someone said "I thought OSX on all new Macs was 64bit."

Is that true? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

No MACS are 32 bit, but can run 64 bit applications, just like most versions of Vista and XP Home/Professional are 32 bit but can run 64 bit applications.  

The only native 64 bit operating systems are XP Professional 64 and the various Vista 64's.  64 bit operating systems are not backward compatible and can ONLY run 64 bit applications.

dont confuse a 64 bit procossor with a 64 bit operating stem.  all new processors are 64 bit .  but the only 64 bit operatings systems are windows xp pro 64 and the various 64 bit versions of vista.  NO MAC operating system is 64 bit they are only 64 bit compatible big difference

this is straight from macs website

"Since the entire operating system is 64-bit ready" 64 bit ready is NOT NOT 64 bit, it means its compatible with software written in 64 bit just like windows xp and windows vista all 3 are 32 bit operatings system but can run 64 bit applications.

Answer 2

Newest OSX is native 64 bit with a 32 bit emulation layer.  So it will do both.  Also the newest macs will support up to 16 gigs of ram.

Heres a performance article going over both.

http://www.geekpatrol.ca/2006/09/32-bit-...

Answer 3

http://www.apple.com/macosx/technology/6...

Leopard is 100% 64bit.  The older ones aren't though, I believe they have a 32bit and a 64bit version.  Just like the XP / Vista 64bit versions some drivers and such don't work.

Good question,

Chad