32 or 64 bit for Mac

Question

I'm downloading a php editor/platform by Zend called Eclipse. I use a Mac version 10.6.6.

The options for a Mac OS 32 bit or a 64 bit (see image). Does it make a difference which I use? What should I take?

Answer 1

It depends on what computer you're using. If you're using a Mac with a 32-bit processor, then you can only use the 32-bit version.

If you're using a Mac with a 64-bit processor, you can use either. There are two main differences; the 32-bit version will run slightly (possibly un-noticeably) slower, but will be more backwards compatible. The 64-bit version will run slightly (again, possible you won't be able to notice) faster, but there's a possibility you will run into a compatibility issue.

I would probably go with the 64-bit version.

Answer 2

All recent Macs run in 64bit mode and emulate 32. You can't miss.

That being said. Download the 64bit version.

Answer 3

You should go with the 64 bit version. If you're running a Mac that can run 10.6.6, it is very likely that you have a 64 bit processor and you will be able to run 64 bit applications, like the one you want to download.

Answer 4

A way to find out is to open terminal, you can do this by typing terminal into spotlight:

enter:

uname -a

and it should return a string about your systems kernel, look for either i386 or x86_64

if it shows i386 then your kernel is running in 32 bit mode and x86_64 is 64 bit mode.