Background: Multi-Core Processors Need Multi-Threaded Applications

OK, I will concede that there are enough processes doing things in a modern computing environment that a dual-processor will benefit most online users. However, the real benefit comes when applications are re-written to expect multiple processors -- while still working on uni-processors. By 2010, 16-way multi-processors will be approaching mainstream volumes. With so many processor cores, the need to spread work over multiple processors will probably swing back away from modular, thread-based computing.

Developers face two challenges in renewing today's code:

1. Microsoft Windows Vista uses a new programming model and almost mandataes a complete rewrite of code for GUI and communications code -- and later, the file system when Win FS arrives.
2. Commercial applications including games will be under competitive pressure to take advantage of the soon-to-be free extra processors from the likes of AMD and Intel.

The article blogged here is a good technical backgrounder on the issues programmers face in rewriting code for a multi-processor environment.