Google is rolling out Chrome browser version 39 to OS X users. This brings a big change – a shift from 32-bit to full and exclusive 64-bit support.
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By switching Chrome to 64-bit, Google hopes that it will be faster and use less memory. The update also patches over 40 vulnerabilities. But there is a drawback – older Macs are stuck on version 38, the last 32-bit version.
Apple announced the switch from PowerPC to Intel COUs in early 2005, with the first hardware making an appearance in early 2006. However, these early Intel Macs were based on 32-bit architecture, and Apple didn't completely adopt 64-bit until August 2007.
Here's when Apple computer models transitioned from 32-bit to 64-bit hardware:
MacBook Pro: October 2006MacBook: November 2006iMacs: September 2006Mac Mini: August 2007The MacBook Air was launched with 64-bit processors.
OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard, released in August 2009, was the last OS X release to support 32-bit Intel Macs. Users that are still on that OS release – or earlier – will either have to stick with Chrome 38 and make do with not receiving security patches, or switch to Firefox or Opera, both of which continue to support 32-bit OS X.
Alternatively, it's time to buy a new Mac.
How many people are affected? According to metrics available, some 10 to 15 percent of Macs run Snow Leopard or earlier. It's probably a safe bet to assume that most of these Macs are Intel 32-bit or PowerPC hardware.
See also:
Topics: Security, Apple, Browser, Google, Operating Systems
Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is an internationally published technology author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology -- whether that be by learning to program, building a PC from a pile of parts, or helping them get the most from their new MP3 player or digital camera.Adrian has authored/co-authored technic... Full Bio
zdnet_core.socialButton.googleLabel Follow @@the_pc_doc Contact Disclosure All opinions expressed on Hardware 2.0 are those of Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. Every effort is made to ensure that the information posted is accurate. If you have any comments, queries or corrections, please contact Adrian via the email link here. Any possible conflicts of interest will be posted below. [Updated: February 23, 2010] - Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has no business relationships, affiliations, investments, or other actual/potential conflicts of interest relating to the content posted so far on this blog. Kick off your day with ZDNet's daily email newsletter. It's the freshest tech news and opinion, served hot. Get it.
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