Will labview work with a 64 bit OS?

[kcb4365640]

I am in the process of purchasing a new computer that will be a "workhorse" in that I would like it to perform caluculations as fast as possible.  In addition to other programs (e.g. Matlab, Zemax, etc.) I would like to run Labview on it.  I was considering purchasing a 64 bit  computer instead of the traditional 32 bit.  I would like to know potential advantages and disadvantages of using a 64 bit computer  when running labview?  I did some research at it looks like the 64 bit Vista OS stystem (not XP) will be the only one that will be supported with drivers.  I am also considering using a 64 bit version of Linux as the OS?  I have never used Linux with labview does anyone know if their be any drawbacks to using 64 bit Linux OS?  Mainly I would like to know what type of computer and OS will perform the best when running Labview code, and any problems that may arise.  Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Kevin Baker

[TMC-NI]

Hello Kevin,

This link is a nice one to show the benefits/drawbacks of using a 64 bit OS:http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/5709

So essentially, XP 64 bit is not widely supported with NI products.  I suggest very highly going with Vista 64 bit if you would like to purchase a 64 bit version.  Regarding Linux 64 bit, I do not believe that any National Instruments products are supported in this OS, therefore I will not recommend that either.  As 64 bit version CPUs and OSs become more mainstream, National Instruments products will be able to take advantage of this technology more readily.  As 64-bit seems to be the next standard in computer architecture, there is really not a lot of reason to not go with the 64 bit version.