64-bit

👉 Overview

👀 What ?

64-bit computing is a type of processor architecture that can handle data in 64-bit chunks. It is an upgrade from 32-bit architecture, which can only handle data in 32-bit chunks. The key fundamental concept underpinning 64-bit architecture is that it can handle more data at once, leading to faster processing speeds and better performance.

🧐 Why ?

64-bit architecture is important because it allows for more efficient processing of data. It can handle larger amounts of RAM, allowing for better multitasking and faster speeds. This is especially important for tasks that require heavy computing power, such as video editing, gaming, and running complex software. Additionally, 64-bit systems can use more virtual and physical memory than 32-bit systems. This means that they can take full advantage of modern hardware, leading to improved performance.

⛏️ How ?

To take advantage of 64-bit computing, you need a 64-bit processor and a 64-bit operating system. Most modern computers come with 64-bit processors, but you'll need to check your operating system to see if it's 64-bit. If it's not, you might be able to upgrade to a 64-bit version. However, keep in mind that not all software is 64-bit compatible, so you'll need to check the requirements of your applications before upgrading.

⏳ When ?

64-bit computing began to come into mainstream use in the early 2000s. AMD introduced the first 64-bit processor for desktop computers in 2003, and other manufacturers quickly followed suit.

⚙️ Technical Explanations

64-bit architecture refers to the processor technology that can handle data in 64-bit chunks, which is twice the capacity of the 32-bit architecture. This capability leads to faster processing speeds and improved performance, as it can execute instructions more quickly.

One of the key advantages of 64-bit architecture is its ability to handle and use larger amounts of memory or RAM. A 32-bit system can only address up to 4GB of RAM, which is a limitation for tasks that require heavy computing power. On the other hand, a 64-bit system can theoretically address up to 18.4 million TB of RAM, drastically improving the system's performance and multitasking abilities.

The transition to 64-bit computing started in the early 2000s, with AMD launching the first 64-bit processor for desktop computers in 2003. Since then, most modern computers have been equipped with 64-bit processors.

To fully benefit from 64-bit computing, both the processor and the operating system must be 64-bit. While most modern computers come with a 64-bit processor, the operating system might need to be checked or upgraded to a 64-bit version.

However, it's crucial to note that not all software is 64-bit compatible. Hence, before upgrading to a 64-bit system, it's important to verify the requirements of the applications that will be used. Those that are not compatible may not see performance improvements on a 64-bit system, and in some cases, they might not run at all.

In summary, 64-bit computing offers significant advantages in terms of processing speed and memory usage, but its full benefits can only be realized if the entire system, including the operating system and applications, are 64-bit.

Here's an example that demonstrates the advantage of 64-bit architecture.

Let's imagine we're using a memory-intensive program like a video editing software. On a 32-bit system, the program can only access up to 4GB of RAM. If your video project is large, you might notice the system slowing down or the program crashing because it exceeds the limit.

On a 64-bit system, the same program can access a significantly larger amount of RAM. This allows the program to handle larger video files and apply more complex effects without slowing down.

Now, to check if your system is 64-bit, you can use the following command line on Windows:

wmic os get osarchitecture

On a Linux system, use the following command:

uname -m

If the output is "x64" or "x86_64", it means your system is 64-bit.

To verify if a particular application is 64-bit compatible, you can check the software's documentation or website.

For instance, to check if Python is running in 64-bit, you can use the following command:

python -c 'import struct; print( 8 * struct.calcsize("P"))'

If the output is "64", then Python is running in 64-bit.

Remember, a 64-bit system can run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, but a 32-bit system can only run 32-bit applications. Therefore, it's crucial to check your system and application compatibility before upgrading to a 64-bit system.