When the 64 bit system appeared. Bit size of the operating system

Windows of today's generations - not only "Ten", not only its strangely unusual predecessor 8 / 8.1, but also the good old XP, not to mention the ambiguous "Vista", and the famous Wiindows 7. This is if you don’t delve into obscure digits - numbers x32 , x64, or even x86.

However, they are incomprehensible only at first glance. For a clear view of a fairly quick acquaintance with the digit.

In short: x64 programs never work on a 32-bit system, but 32-bit applications almost always feel great in both 32-bit and 64-bit environments. The strictest exception is drivers. They must be installed only for the corresponding operating system. Not every 32-bit driver can be correctly installed in an x64 environment. And drivers prepared for 64-bit will not even run on another operating system.

Many facts are maximally and deliberately simplified: professional technology experts can condescendingly smile. But this presentation is clearer.

Two types of OS bitness

Very simplified view: bit depth of the operating system  is the number of bits that the processor operates in one clock. In practice, a 32-bit "OS" allows a computer to work with no more than 4 gigabytes of RAM (in fact, even less). More modern, 64-bit architecture does not have this limitation.

There are really only two types of digit capacity in modern computers: 32 (the older version) and modern 64. The letter x ("X") is usually added before the digit numbers according to tradition, it has no hidden meaning. The "x86" index refers to the overall processor architecture. And it is very often used as a synonym for “x32”, which is not entirely correct. Therefore, it is more correct to speak about "x32" and "x64", which we will do next, forgetting about x86.

By the way, to install a 64-bit version of the OS, the corresponding processor supporting this bit depth must work in the computer. Such processors have dominated the market since the beginning of the two thousandth, the era of the already “ancient” Pentium 4. They successfully work with both types of bit capacity. The exception is only compact netbooks and nettops with their low-powered Atom processors. However, x64 support has been added to modern "atoms".

Practical differences 32 bits from 64 bits

Windows on 64 bit architecture is a more modern type. So this OS is better and faster? Not. The performance of Windows x64 is approximately equal, and sometimes even slightly less than that of x32 - within a fraction of a percent.

The only practical difference is that Windows versions with x64 index can work with 4 gigabytes of RAM and higher. Therefore, to work with the full amount of RAM, you should use the 64-bit width of the operating system. Otherwise, you will have to be content with only 3.5 gigabytes of memory, even if the RAM is many times larger: x32 simply won't “see” them.

Compatibility of programs with OS of different digit capacity

In a 32-bit environment, only 32-bit applications work, without the possibility of running programs with an x64 tag. The system will display an error message, the installation will complete immediately.

On a 64-bit operating system, it can run and work stably, as if in its native element, the vast majority of programs.

Exceptions:

• drivers;
• applications that work "close" to the computer hardware: CD / DVD emulators, many programs for diagnosing and testing hardware;
• framework platforms like Microsoft .NET or Silverlight;
• old, not updated for a long time applications ("municipal" programs for managing databases and accounting, written for Windows 95, or even under MS-DOS).

Despite the democratic and omnivorous nature of Windows x64, whenever possible you should use 64-bit versions of programs. Additional productivity growth is possible when it comes to hardware-demanding tasks (archiving, video encoding and conversion, image processing).

Simple ways to find out your version of Windows

Method 1, the fastest:  Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on the keyboard - these are three keys in the leftmost row. Task Manager will appear; Select the "Performance" tab.

From the bottom left, the Dispatcher displays data about the physical memory in the system (the "Total" parameter). If it is more than 4000 megabytes (4 gigabytes) - you definitely work on a 64-bit OS. If less - options are possible, in which case it will come in handy ...

... Method 2, the most correct:  open the "Start" menu, find the "Computer" item, right-click on it, select the "Properties" option.

Method 3, the most fun:  if you are working on a laptop with a preinstalled licensed Windows, then it is enough to turn the computer upside down and look at the Microsoft proprietary sticker: it will show the exact version of Windows and its bit depth.

First you need to determine the components in the computer "hardware" and understand, for example, how to properly reinstall the operating system? It is necessary to take into account several rather simple factors, both hardware and software.

TO hardware device  computer belong to his "insides":

• the well-known processor;
• rAM;
• motherboard;
• video card and the rest.

And to the program partis an installed operating system - program. For example, if you have dealt with your “hardware” and you know that where, and when you reinstall Windows, problems arise - should it not be installed? Perhaps one of these reasons is to determine the bitness of the version of Windows.

What is the capacity of the system

Still, what is better and what is more correct: the thirty two bit or sixty four bit version of Windows. In fact, the difference between them is the processor's bitness. And the digit is taken value that is used in the exchange of data between the processor and RAM. Therefore, according to the bitness of the processor, thirty two bit or sixty four bit Windows systems were developed. This is a logical explanation.

The most important difference is a different kind of RAM between the two Windows. For example, in a 32-bit system, the RAM should not exceed 4 GB, and 64-bit 128 GB. Information is written into clusters of RAM with binary (binary) code of 32 characters for 32-bit, and 64 characters for a 64-bit system. Accordingly, for 32-bit Windows, the address of each cluster is determined by the value of 2 raised to the power of 32, and this is 4 GB (4294967296 bytes), then for 64-bit (2 to the power of 64) - 128 GB. (18446744073709551616 bytes).

In other words, anything that is more than 4 GB for 32-bit Windows systems will not be recognized and, therefore, will not be used. There are some conflict situations. For example, when trying to install software, they are intended for a later 64-bit system on a 32-bit one. Also constantly it is not possible to install drivers on a sound card, a video card; external peripherals, printers or drivers for connecting the same mobile phone.

And finally, to find out the bit on your iron horse, you need to go to " Start"Then find" Control Panel"And open the item" System". Here will be the necessary information, including the capacity of your system.

Not many users Windowsknow that this operating system has a certain digit capacity -   x32 and x64.

Many who know what there is bit, but do not know what it is and why. On the Internet, there are many articles about windows bit depth, but they do not fully reveal the picture on this issue.

The width of the Windows operating system.

Digits Windowstoday only two: 32 -bit and 64 -bit. It's easy to see the bitness of your system: right click on ” My computer"and select the item properties  (screenshot by example Windows 7, at Windows xpthe window is slightly different, but the meaning is identical):

Another option to view the capacity of the system.
  If you could not see the bit on the above method, then do the following (For example Windows xp) :

1. Click " Start- Further Run.”
2. In the line we type: winmsd.exeand click Ok.
3. In the details pane, the " Elementlook for the item " Type of". If the item is" Type of"will be with value" X86 based computer"then the system is 32-bit. If the item" Type of”Will be with value Itanium-based computer"then your system is 64-bit.

What is the difference between distros   Windows x64  from Windows x32and whether to switch to 64 is beat?
  The main, and in my opinion, almost the only difference x64from x32is that windows x64allows you to work with RAM (RAM) up to 32 GBand run at the same time as 64 bit and alike 32 -bit programs and applications. BUT x32  allows you to work only with RAM to 4 GB  memory, and at the same time only run 32 -bit applications and programs for which only is available 3 Gb  RAM, the remaining amount of memory if there is, the system will not see and use it. The second difference is support x64multi-core and multiprocessing. If you have at least a dual-core processor, then go to 64 -bit windows makes sense.

What width WIndows choose x64 or x32?

Everything "behind"  and "vs"  transition to digit capacity x64:

• x64  Formally, it does not differ from x32-bit system, but users with multi-core processors may feel the increased system performance.
• x64  able to identify and work with random access memory (RAM) 4 and more Gigabyte. BUT x32  sees only 3 Gb, even if physically RAM is worth more.
• It is sometimes difficult to find drivers for an x64 bit system. Therefore, before switching to a 64-bit system, it is better to check the presence of drivers for such a system on the motherboard manufacturer’s website.
• Most x32programs and applications normally work in x64systems, but not vice versa.

What does x86 denote mean?

Often in 32's  bit system bit depth is not x32, but x86. Many users are confused by this notation. Many authors compare x86  and x32 systems. It is not right. x86  - this microprocessor architecture  and hardware platform. It applies to 32 bit and k 64 bit programs.
  Designation x86  went from the name of the first processors from the company Intel, in which at the end of the name were attributed 86 (for example i8086). Even when over time processors got names Pentium, Celeron, the platform continued to denote x86.
  What is the correct designation of the system?
  The correct designation is as follows: x86_32 bit (for 32-bit systems) or x86_64 bit (for 64-bit systems). Can be abbreviated x32  or x64.

Afterword
  Currently, everything goes to the fact that over time, everything will completely switch to x64 bit systems. The trend of development of computers and applications to them is towards increasing the power of applications, and therefore to an increase in consumed RAM. Because 32-bit system  more 4 Gig of RAM  can not overpower, in any case have to go to 64-bit systemswho work quietly and with 32 Gig  RAM. That's all for the article.
  Our site will continue to help you in knowing the computer and the tricks of the Internet, but you are not lazy and leave comments. I will be glad to answer you.

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer processor processes information (also called a CPU).

64-bit versions of Windows can use more memory than 32-bit versions of Windows. This helps to minimize the time it takes to process processes in memory by storing more of these in random access memory (RAM) and not on the hard disk. This, in turn, can increase overall system performance.

How to determine whether a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows is installed on a computer?

To determine whether a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows is installed on your computer, follow these steps:

2. In the System section, you can view the type of system.

Can this computer run a 64-bit version of Windows?

For a computer to run on a 64-bit version of Windows, it must have a 64-bit processor. To use extra memory in 64-bit versions Windows vistaYou need at least 4 GB of RAM on your computer.

In addition, you need to make sure that there are 64-bit drivers for the hardware and that the programs will work in the environment of the 64-bit version of Windows. 32-bit device drivers do not work on computers with 64-bit versions of Windows. If you try to install hardware for which only 32-bit drivers are available, this hardware will not work correctly on 64-bit versions of Windows. In addition, programs installing 32-bit device drivers on 64-bit versions of Windows will cause errors.

To find out what is the speed of the computer processor, follow these steps.

1. Open the System component by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button and selecting Control Panel, System and Maintenance, and SYSTEM.

2. In the SYSTEM component, you can view the type and speed of the processor.

Is it possible to upgrade a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows?

Not. If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can perform updates only to a different 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, you can only upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows Vista.

If you need to upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, back up the files and then cleanly install the 64-bit version of Windows Vista.

Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer?

Many programs developed for computers with a 32-bit version of Windows will run on computers running 64-bit versions of Windows without any changes. However, in some cases there may be differences in speed. If a 32-bit program uses built-in drivers, they may not work in a 64-bit environment. On a 64-bit computer, programs designed for a 64-bit computer work best.

What are the benefits of using a 64-bit computer?

A 64-bit computer can handle twice as much information as a 32-bit computer, and it also supports a significantly larger amount of RAM. The 64-bit version of Windows Vista on computers with at least 4 GB of RAM can be more productive when running multiple programs at the same time. Usually they are compatible with devices and programs currently in use, and can help prepare a computer for the next generation of performance improvements. Therefore, a 64-bit computer is a good choiceif you need to edit family photos or videos, play games or use programs that require a large amount of memory and complex calculations, such as computer-aided design (CAD) programs. However, a 32-bit computer runs fast enough for most programs. For example, spreadsheets, web browsers, and word processors will run at about the same speed on both 32-bit and 64-bit computers. For more information about the benefits of using 64-bit computers, see General view of 64-bit PCs on the Internet. Programs running on 64-bit versions of Windows Vista will perform better if hardware drivers and 64-bit programs are available.

Do I need 64-bit device drivers when running on a 64-bit version of Windows?

Yes, to work in a 64-bit version of Windows, all devices need 64-bit drivers. In addition, some 32-bit programs can use built-in 32-bit drivers, which can cause these programs to malfunction.