14 DAY TRIAL // Developer Markus Winter has released a new version of his startup mode tool for Mac OS X, 32- or 64-bit Kernel Startup Mode Selector. Version 1.3.3 adds info for MacBookPro5.4, an improved feedback window, and resolves an issue when no boot mode was set.
The Mac OS X 32-64-bit Kernel Startup Mode Selector shows whether you have a 32-bit or a 64-bit processor; whether you have a 32-bit or a 64-bit EFI (firmware); whether the MacOS X Kernel is set to boot in 32-bit or in 64-bit mode; whether the Mac OS X Kernel is running in 32-bit or in 64-bit mode; and whether Apple officially supports booting a 64-bit Kernel on your Mac. Most importantly, you can select whether you want to start the Mac OS X Kernel in 32-bit or in 64-bit mode.
In order to check your configuration, Mac OS X 10.6 32-64-Bit Kernel Startup Mode Selector requirements include an Intel-based Mac and OS X 10.4 Tiger or higher. To set the kernel's startup mode, Mac OS X 10.6 32-64-Bit Kernel Startup Mode Selector needs Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) and an Intel processor, implicitly (since Snow Leopard only runs on the Intel architecture). Lastly, you need admin rights to use the software, since a system file needs changing. The application is free to download and use, but donations are appreciated. According to Markus, 100% of all proceedings will support a home for street kids in India.
Note that, if your Intel-based Mac has a 32-bit processor, then Snow Leopard will run as a 32-bit system. If the Intel-based Mac has a 64-bit processor, then Snow Leopard will run as a 64-bit system. Download 32- or 64-bit Kernel Startup Mode Selector (Free)