WOW 64

John G. asks, “What is WOW64”
When I checked my browser user agent strings on your page at http://thundercloud.net/ip/ . I found something called WOW64? What is WOW64. Is it spyware? Hope you can help me. John G.

Our Answer
WOW64 stands for Windows On Windows. It’s a 32 bit emulator that runs on Windows 64bit operating system 32-bit Windows-based applications to run seamlessly on 64-bit Windows.

According to Microsoft: “…The system isolates 32-bit applications from 64-bit applications, which includes preventing file and registry collisions. Console, GUI, and service applications are supported. The system provides interoperability across the 32/64 boundary for scenarios such as cut and paste and COM. However, 32-bit processes cannot load 64-bit DLLs, and 64-bit processes cannot load 32-bit DLLs. Which is why you cannot run some 32bit programs on 64-bit Windows. Normally these would be 32-bit programs that need to load 32-bit DLL files – like some security programs and other programs that are specifically made for 32-bit systems….”

Don’t you just love all the techspeak? Anyway, all that stuff means is basically this: Windows 64bit systems can run most, but not all, 32bit applications. Most sites offering downloads will tell you if their program is compatible with 64-bit Windows. If it doesn’t tell you, you can write to the developer and ask. Or just be brave like us and try it. If it works it works if it doesn’t it doesn’t. Don’t laugh, sometimes it’s easier just to try something than it is to wait around for someone to write you back. On the flip-side: If you see a program made specifically for 64-bit Windows, it won’t run on 32-bit Windows systems.