|
32-bit
refers to the number of
bits (the smallest
unit of information on a machine) that can be processed or transmitted in
parallel, or the number of bits used for single element in a data format. The
term when used in conjunction with a
microprocessor indicates the width of the
registers; a special high-speed
storage area within the
CPU. A 32-bit
microprocessor can process data and
memory addresses
that are represented by 32 bits.
64-bit therefore refers to a processor with
registers that store 64-bit numbers. A generalization would be to suggest that
64-bit architecture would double the amount of data a CPU can process per
clock
cycle. Users would note a performance increase because a 64-bit CPU can handle
more memory and larger files. One of the most attractive features of 64-bit
processors is the amount of memory the system can support. 64-bit architecture
will allow systems to address up to 1 terabyte (1000GB) of memory. In today's
32-bit desktop systems, you can have up to 4GB of RAM (provided your motherboard
that can handle that much RAM) which is split between the applications and the
operating system (OS).
The majority of
desktop computers today don't
even have 4GB of memory installed, and most small business and home desktop computer software
do not require that much
memory either.
As more
complex software and 3D games become available however, we could actually see this become a
limitation, but for the average home user that is very far down the road indeed. |
Key Terms To
Understanding 64-bit Computing:
Related Articles
on Webopedia:
|
Unfortunately, most benefits of a 64-bit CPU will go
unnoticed without the key components of a 64-bit operating system and 64-bit
software and drivers which
are able to take advantage of 64-bit processor features. Additionally
for the average home computer user, 32-bits is more than adequate computing
power.
When making the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit desktop PCs, users won't
actually see Web browsers and
word processing programs run faster. Benefits of 64-bit
processors would be seen with more demanding applications such as video
encoding, scientific research, searching massive databases; tasks where being
able to load massive amounts of data into the system's memory is required.
While talk of 64-bit architecture may make one think
this is a new technology, 64-bit computing has been used over the past ten years in
supercomputing and
database management systems. Many companies and
organizations with the need to access huge amounts of data have already made the
transition to using 64-bit servers, since a 64-bit server can support a greater
number of larger files and could effectively load large enterprise databases to into memory
allowing for faster searches and data retrieval. Additionally, using a 64-bit
server means organizations can support more simultaneous users on each server
potentially removing the need for extra hardware as one 64-bit
server could
replace the use of several 32-bit servers on a network.
It is in scientific and data management industries where
the limitations of the 4GB memory of a 32-bit system have been reached and the need
for 64-bit processing becomes apparent. Some of the major software developers in
the database management systems business, such as Oracle and SQL Server, to name
just two, offer 64-bit versions of their database management systems.
While 64-bit servers were once
used only by those organizations with massive amounts of data and big budgets,
we do see in the near future 64-bit enabled systems hitting the mainstream
market. It is only a matter of time until 64-bit software and retail OS packages
become available thereby making 64-bit computing an attractive solution for
business and home computing needs.
|
DID YOU KNOW...
On 64-bit Windows systems you can get around 32-bit software
compatibility issues by running the application in a 32-bit OS
inside of Microsoft Virtual PC. (Source) |
Based in Nova Scotia, Vangie Beal is has been
writing about technology for more than a decade. She is a frequent
contributor to
EcommerceGuide and
managing editor at
Webopedia. You can
tweet her online @AuroraGG
Originally published in 2004. Last updated
January 08, 2010
Microsoft: 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the 32-bit and 64-bit
versions of Windows.
InternetNews: Microsoft Says Office 2010 to Ship in June
Beta versions are already available for download, with final release
just seven months away. It also emphasized that Office 2010 will come in
both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Webopedia's
"Did You Know...?" Section
Use this Webopedia knowledge section for an in-depth overview of
specific technologies and occurrences in the areas of Computer Science,
The Internet, and Computer Hardware and Software.
Webopedia's Quick
Reference Section
Use this Webopedia reference section for information on common Internet
and computer facts and occurrences. |
