APPENDIX
Q11: Is it possible to write software that will run on Intel’s processors with Intel® EM64T, and AMD’s 64-bit capable processors?
Answer:
Yes, in most cases. Even though the hardware microarchitecture for each company’s processor is different, the operating system and software ported to one processor will likely run on the other processor due to the close similarity of the instruction set architec- tures. However, Intel processors support additional features, like the SSE3 instructions and Hyper-Threading Technology, which are not supported on non-Intel platforms. As such, we believe devel- opers will achieve maximum performance and stability by design- ing specifically for Intel architectures and by taking advantage of Intel’s breadth of software tools and enabling services.
Q12: How will Intel® EM64T work and what software is there to take advantage of 64-bit extensions?
Answer:
Platforms with Intel® EM64T/AMD64 can be run in three basic ways (note: a 64-bit capable BIOS is required for all three scenari- os):
1.32-bit O/S and 32-bit applications (Legacy Mode): No software changes are required, however the user gets no benefit from Intel® EM64T or AMD64.
2.64-bit O/S and 32-bit applications (Compatibility Mode): This usage requires all 64-bit device drivers. In this mode, the O/S will see the 64-bit extensions, but the 32-bit application will not. Existing 32-bit applications do not need to be recompiled, and may or may not benefit from the 64-bit extensions. The application will likely need to be recertified by the vendor to run on the new 64-bit extended O/S.
3.64-bit O/S and 64-bit applications (64-bit Mode): This usage requires 64-bit device drivers. It also requires applications to be modified for 64-bit operation and then recompiled and vali- dated.
•For more FAQs, please visit knowledgebase of Areca website at: http://faq.areca.com.tw/modules/smartfaq/
