11.04 32 bit or 64 bit for 64 bit AMD sempron

[Thierry de Coulon]

On Friday 13 May 2011 12:16:02 pm Nils Kassube wrote:
> Thanks, somehow I remembered a year 21xx for that integer overflow. But
> I don't think it will make 64 bit machines mandatory to fix a date
> problem. After all the Y2k problem didn't require new machines for a
> fix.

These two "bugs" are both similar and different:

a) They are no bugs, just the consequences of choices made when not many 
thought these system would still be in use decades later

b) Y2K "bug" was a "program bug", programs that could not tell the difference 
between 1900 (00) and 2000 (00). You could modify the program to use 1900 and 
2000 and it was cured. The 2038 "bug" means the system can't deliver a date 
past  Tue Jan 19 03:14:07 2038. Which means after this moment (or as soon as 
you need a date after this moment) you get no answer. AFAIK there is no work 
around that would not break compatibility.

A 64 bit *nix system uses a new variable that will ensure calculating the time 
for so long it should not be a problem.

Thierry