Since there has been some 64-bit discussion here and problems, some of you may want to read this article. Fred <http://www.open-mag.com/cgi-bin/opencgi/email/redirect.cgi?Open0603> When it comes to high power computing, Linux has a big advantage, especially when it comes to 64-bit options. This week starts the first in a series of reviews on how to break the 32-bit barrier. The introduction of the Linux 2.6 kernel and operating systems like SLES9 have given Linux users a robust alternative to SMP: NUMA, the architecture of choice for AMD64.. The differences are neither transparent nor trivial. This week openBench Labs tests a quad-Opteron system with a traditional IA-32 dual-processor SMP system. In the process, we discover there are still a few nasty issues powering up to 64 bits. In future issues we'll continue with EM64T Xeon- and Itanium- based systems. Linux is also at the forefront of an other form of power. At the DOE, researchers are unraveling the molecular forces that could one day bring the world a clean source of renewable energy: A mandate that requires a significant amount of computing power. Learn how Linux is providing researchers with the scalability they need at a cost they can afford. -- "BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!" Brought to you by the US Department of Homeland Security and the Patriot Act(s) numerous Presidential Directives, etc.