question about 64bit virusses

[John-]

Ok,..since that Microsoft has launched their 64-bit version of Windows XP I read in an article that viruswriters could start writing viruses for 64bit instead of 32bit but that AV-software is behind schedule to adjust their software!

The article announced that Symantec and Mcafee do not really have an application written for 64bit systems.
Avast! like we all know,...has got a 64 bit version available

My question: can 64bit virusses be detected on a 32bit system,..like Win2000 or WinXP Pro SP2, with Avast!
Or are 32bit systems "auto-immunized" for 64bit-virusses cause it has a different architecture, and it simply doesn't recognize them?

I do think that most people who bought WinXP Home/Pro (like me) are quit happy with their system and do not plan to buy WinXP 64-bit yet,..cause you should have a 64bit processor to 100% benefit the OS.

cheers

Grunger`

[RejZoR]

They can be detected (same as Windows malware on Linux workstations),but they cannot cause any harm.

[Vlk]

Regular (32-bit Windows) version of avast can detect viruses written for any platform, be it DOS, 16-bit Windows, 32-bit Windows, 64-bit Windows or even Palm, Windows CE or Symbian OS.

Cheers
Vlk

[John-]

thanks for the replies!

good thing avast can recognize them all!

cheers