You’ve probably seen 32-bit and 64-bit options available whenever you download an app or install a game. Your computer may even have a label that says it has a 64-bit processor.
But does it really matter when most new computers have a 64-bit processor? Here is the real difference between 32-bit and 64-bit.
Here’s why it matters
Simply put, a 64-bit processor is more capable than a 32-bit processor because it can process more data at once. A 64-bit processor can store more computer values, including memory addresses, which means it can access over 4 billion times more physical memory than a 32-bit processor. It’s just as big as it sounds.
Here’s the key difference: 32-bit processors are perfectly capable of handling a limited amount of RAM (in Windows 4 GB or less), and 64-bit processors can use much more. Of course, to achieve this, your operating system must also be designed to take advantage of more memory access. This Microsoft site lowers memory limits for multiple versions of Windows, but if you’re running the latest Windows 10, you don’t need to worry about limits.
With the increasing availability of 64-bit processors and larger RAM capacities, Microsoft and Apple have upgraded versions of their operating systems designed to take full advantage of the new technology. The first fully 64-bit operating system was Mac OS X Snow Leopard in 2009. Meanwhile, the first smartphone with a 64-bit chip (the Apple A7) was the iPhone 5s.
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In Microsoft Windows, the base version of the operating system places software limits on the amount of RAM that applications can use. Even in the ultimate and professional version of the operating system, 4 GB is the maximum usable memory that the 32-bit version can handle. While the latest versions of a 64-bit operating system can drastically increase a processor’s capabilities, the real jump in power comes from software designed with this architecture in mind.
High-performance applications and video games already take advantage of the increase in available memory (there’s a reason we recommend 8GB for almost everyone). This is especially useful in programs that can store a lot of information for immediate access, such as image editing software that opens multiple large files at once.
Most software is backward compatible, allowing you to run 32-bit applications in a 64-bit environment without additional work or problems. Antivirus software (these are our favourites) and drivers are usually the exception to this rule, with hardware generally requiring the appropriate version to be installed to function properly.
Same but different
An excellent example of the differences in data processor capacity can be found in your computer’s file network. On a Windows computer, there are two Program File folders: Program files and Program files (x86).
Through Windows, all applications use the same shared resources called DLL files. These files are structured slightly differently depending on whether you are using a 32-bit or 64-bit application. You will encounter some obstacles if a 32-bit application tries to access the 64-bit DLL version. In these cases, the application will usually stop working.
Many applications still use the 32-bit operating system because its design has been around for a long time. However, this is changing on some platforms. Some developers have found a solution; on modern 64-bit systems, you can run both 32- and 64-bit software. The computer uses two separate Program File directories. If your 32-bit application is in the correct x86 folder, your computer will be able to access the correct 32-bit version. In addition, applications in your Program Files directory can access other available content.
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Source: newstars.edu.vn