Q: Are there any 64-bit Athena or Debathena workstations?

Answer

This is a somewhat complicated question. First, it's important to realize that "64-bit" can mean several different things. It may refer to the specifications of the physical hardware. It may also refer to the operating system. Lastly, it may refer to the application itself.

Most modern hardware in the public clusters is capable of 64-bit processing, with the exception of the HP dc5100 workstations. However, the version of Debathena deployed to the public clusters is based on 32-bit Ubuntu. There are two primary reasons for this: a) we still have 32-bit workstations (the HP dc5100s) and b) some of the third party applications we distribute do not function correctly under a 64-bit OS.

We realize this may be frustrating to some members of the MIT community who want to take advantage of 64-bit applications in the public Athena clusters, and we're working to find a resolution to this situation within available resources as soon as possible. Unfortunately, given current fiscal constraints, MIT does not have the resources to replace the many remaining 32-bit workstations in advance of their scheduled end-of-life in early 2010. As soon as replacement becomes feasible we will pursue 64-bit OS installations on public Athena cluster hardware, barring and critical incompatibilities with important software.

It's important to note that the above paragraph only applies to the public cluster workstations. Members of the MIT community can install 64-bit Ubuntu or Debian Linux on suitable hardware and install the debathena-workstation package to gain most of the Athena functionality, except for the few applications for which 64-bit versions do not exist.