Why All Computers You've Used Only Run On 32-bit And 64-bit OS But Not Other Numbers

Anil - May 31, 2019


Why All Computers You've Used Only Run On 32-bit And 64-bit OS But Not Other Numbers

Do the differences between 32-bit and 64-bit really matter?

Do the differences between 32-bit and 64-bit really matter?

If you ever used a computer or laptop, you may once hear about the terms of 32-bit and 64-bit. For your information, those terms refer to the type of processor of the computer that you’re working on. It should be reminded that every computer has one among the two main operating system categories: 32-bit and 64-bit.

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Computing processor.

In case you want to download software on a website, most of the sites will ask you to choose a product with 32-bit or 64-bit versions. One of the most popular questions is that do the differences between them really matter? To shine a light on the question, let’s start finding out more about them.

As we know, multiple-core processors are able to increase the number of calculations per second, so that they boost the processing power and make a computer to have a faster speed. In fact, a significant difference between the two types is the number of calculations they can perform in terms of a second. While 32-bit processors only come in single-core, a 64-bit processor can be multi-core.

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The second difference is that 32-bit and 64-bit processors tell us about the maximum amount of memory RAM that is supported. While a 32-bit computer can access 4G of RAM or 232 memory addresses, 64-bit processors can support a maximum of 264 bytes.

Nowadays, we often see a 64-bit processor on most of the computers more users are now using 64-bit operating systems and programs. Computer retailers are trying to offer fewer 32-bit computers and they may not be available anymore in the future. Thanks to cheaper prices, most manufacturers can make 64-bit computers at cheaper prices.

32-bit processor

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Until the early 1990s, 32-bit processors were the primary processors used in all computers around the world. Some early Microsoft’s operating systems are all 32-bit such as Window 95, Window 98, and Window XP.

64-bit processor

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Windows XP 64-bit

Though IBM did create the first computer with a 64-bit processor in 1961, 64-bit computers were not put into use popularly until the early 2000s. Microsoft first released Windows XP Professional that supports 64-bit system, then the company has made it as a standard in several products like Vista, Window7, and Window 8.

Advantages of 64-bit systems over 32-bit systems

Computers with 32-bit processors can only install a 32-bit version of the operating system, they can’t install a 64-bit system. On the other hand, a 64-bit computer can install both 32-bit and 64-bit operating system. Note that 64-bit processor will not perform the full capability with a 32-bit system.

How to check your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit?

In case your computer is running what kind of Windows operating systems below, do the following:

Windows XP:

  1. Click Start.
  2. My Computer > Properties. "x64 Edition" equals to a 64-bit version of Windows XP.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista:

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  1. Start button >  Computer > Properties.
  2. Right there, you can easily see which type the system is.

Windows 10 and Windows 8:

001 Am I Running A 32 Bit Or 64 Bit Version Of Win

  1. Open the Windows Control Panel.
  2. In Control Panel, choose the System and Security section.
  3. Click on System, then "View basic information about your computer", then you can see whether your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit.

002 Am I Running A 32 Bit Or 64 Bit Version Of Win

Facts

All Microsoft operating systems from Windows XP to Windows 10 are also available in 32-bit.

All Linux systems can be 32-bit or 64-bit.

Since version 10.8, every Mac OS has been 64-bit.

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