Home > Articles > Operating Systems, Server > Solaris

Like this article? We recommend

64-Bit Computing

As the complexity and functionality of applications increase, their data sets and address space requirements increase as well. Many applications (databases, web caches, simulation and modeling software, and the like) run more effectively if they are not subject to the 4-gigabyte address space limitation imposed by a 32-bit architecture.

The ability to support larger amounts of primary memory allows the 64-bit architecture to afford performance benefits to a broad class of applications, including the following:

  • A greater proportion of a database can be held in primary memory.

  • Larger CAD/CAE models and simulations can fit in primary memory.

  • Larger scientific computing problems can fit in primary memory.

  • Web caches hold more data in memory, reducing latency.

The following are also compelling reasons for creating 64-bit applications:

  • To improve performance by performing several computations on 64-bit integer quantities, using the wider data paths of a 64-bit processor

  • To improve efficiency with arithmetic and logical operations on 64-bit quantities

  • To enable operations to use full-register widths, the full-register set, and new instructions

  • To improve efficiency with the improved parameter passing of 64-bit quantities

Not all applications are well suited to a 64-bit data model. If your application does not use or require any of the features listed above, it should probably be left as a 32-bit application. 32-bit applications usually run without problem in a 64-bit environment. 64-bit applications are usually larger in size. Additionally, the use of longer pointers in the 64-bit version could degrade performance because of cache misses. Doubling the size of pointers means that the cache cannot hold as many entries as om the 32-bit version of the application.

Understanding Differences Between 32-Bit and 64-Bit Data Models

Like Tru64, the Solaris OS supports the LP64 data model. In this convention, longs and pointers are 64 bits in length (hence the acronym LP64) and an integer is 32 bits in length. This is in contrast to the data model used in 32-bit environments, referred to as an ILP32, in which integers, longs, and pointers are all 32 bits in length (hence the acronym ILP32). The following table highlights the differences between these two models:

TABLE 0-1 Differences Between 32-Bit and 64-Bit Data Models

C Data Type

ILP32

LP64

char

8

unchanged

short

16

unchanged

int

32

unchanged

long

32

64

long long

64

unchanged

pointer

32

64

enum

32

unchanged

float

32

unchanged

double

64

unchanged

long double

128

unchanged


Most of the problems associated with migrating an application to 64 bits arise from the following differences:

  • Long values (long) are 64 bits in length, not 32.

  • Pointers are 64 bits in length, not 32.

  • Integers (int) are not the same size as longs and pointers in a 64-bit environment.

Many of these size issues can be mitigated if the developer uses derived types. These definitions and others can be found in /usr/include/sys/types.h and /usr/include/sys/inttypes.h in both the Solaris and Tru64 environments. A derived type can specify the size of the attribute (for example, int32_t) or its intended use (for example, blksize_t), a capability that increases program clarity. The derived types themselves are safe for both ILP32 and LP64 environments, making them 32-bit and 64-bit safe.

All releases of the Solaris OS after and including the Solaris 7 OE support both 32-bit and 64-bit data models. Under most circumstances, binaries that were created under the 32-bit environment can be run in the 64-bit environment.

Using Large Files to Overcome 32-Bit Limitations

DEC was one of the first computer manufacturers to understand the limitations of a 32-bit environment as it related to file size. In the past, under a 32-bit environment, files could not exceed 2 gigabytes in length. Files are typically accessed relative to a pointer that points to a location within the file. Programmers can move this pointer by specifying an offset, but this offset is a signed quantity because the pointer can be moved forward and backward within the file. Consequently, the maximum offset that could be specified was 31 bits, limiting the file size to less than 2 gigabytes (2**31 = 2 gigabytes).

Vendors created a "large file" option that allows the offset variable to be a long quantity. This enables the file to grow well beyond the 2 or 4 gigabyte limit, because the offset variable used to move the pointer is much larger (2**63). This technology can be found in many legacy applications but is not necessary in a 64-bit computing environment like Solaris or Tru64.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020