Searching for app availability before install

[Nigel Ridley <nigel@rmk.co.il>]

Hi,

I just bought a new amd 64 based system and want to be able to check to 
see if my favorite apps are available prior to installing a 64 bit 
Debian system (Kanotix 64) -- if they are not then I will probably 
install a regular 32 bit system for just now.

How can I check prior to the install?

Blessings,

Nigel Ridley