32-bit vs 64-bit oracle

[st2000]

Hi.. What is the difference betn a 32-bit oracle vs 64-bit oracle installation. Is it simply the o/s I should look at or something else.. Thanks, ST

[jdorlon]

It is both a different OS and different Oracle software.

You can see if you are running 64 bit oracle with this
query :

select * from v$version;

If it is 64 bit, you will see '64bit' somewhere in the
result set. Otherwise you have 32 bit Oracle.

-John
http://www.ezsql.net

[marist89]

Use Oracle 64-bit if your SGA requires a size > 4GB. Otherwise, stick with the 32-bit version. As jdorlon suggested, each is a seperate piece of software. Typically, the 64-bit version is behind the 32-bit version for new releases and bug fixes.

[st2000]

Is it also dependant on the application. This is my result set.. With what you mean is ORCL sells 32 bit and 64 bit seperately.

SQL> select * from v$version;

BANNER
----------------------------------------------------------------
Oracle7 Server Release 7.3.3.3.0 - Production Release
PL/SQL Release 2.3.3.3.0 - Production
CORE Version 3.5.3.1.0 - Production
TNS for IBM/AIX RISC System/6000: Version 2.3.3.0.0 - Production
NLSRTL Version 3.2.3.0.0 - Production

I don't see it here..

Thanks, ST

[marist89]

Originally posted by st2000
With what you mean is ORCL sells 32 bit and 64 bit seperately.

In other words, you would get 2 cd packs, one for 32 bit, one for 64-bit.

[jdorlon]

If you don't see '32' or '64', you have 32.

Yes, Oracle sells both 32 bit and 64 bit separately.

The application that accesses the database does not matter. You could have 16,32,and 64 bit applications all accessing the same database.

-John
http://www.ezsql.net

[st2000]

Excellent guys..
THANKS FOR LIGHTNING SPEED RESPONSES...