Microsoft
Windows comes in many variants with barely visible feature differences.
A noticeable variation is observed when we have to choose between a
32-bit or a 64-bit version. Lack of knowledge regarding the basic
difference between a 32-bit and a 64-bit operation system adds to the
puzzlement when it comes to deciding the appropriate version.Microsoft
started releasing 64-bit versions shortly after the launch of their
well-liked and fantasized Windows XP, which had the longest product
lifespan of around 14 years. Time-traveling into the history reveals
that the very first implementation of the 64-bit operating system was a
Unix-like UNICOS created by the supercomputer-maker Cray Inc. in 1985.
The development continued and many operating systems — Mac OS X,
Windows, Solaris, and the most recently Google’s Android — were baked
into their 64-bit versions.
The
operating system variants are designed to utilize a kind of processor
architecture and named so accordingly. A 32-bit OS is designed to take
advantage of the resources facilitated by a 32-bit processor (like
Intel’s x86) and same is the case for a 64-bit OS. So, the topic that
should be discussed first is the processor.
A ‘bit’ of knowledge
What
does a bit stand for? The smallest piece of data in a computer is known
as a bit or binary digit. We know that computer only understands binary
language (the 0s and 1s), so, each and every bit can have only one
binary value, either 0 or 1. A computer stores data in a collection of
such bits known as a byte. 8 bits make up a byte, also called an octet.
Something about the 32-bit vs 64-bit processors
A
processor or CPU includes a number of registers and logical circuits.
Also called the brain of the computer, people often confuse CPU with the
cabinet of a desktop computer. The size of the register is 32-bit in a
32-bit CPU and similar for 64-bit. The number of values that can be
stored in its register are 2^32. These values are used to map the
address of the memory locations present in the physical memory. So, 2^32
= 4 gigabytes is the amount of memory or RAM a 32-bit processor can
access during its operation.
In the case of 64-bit, the register
can store 2^64 values that amount to 16EB (exabytes) of RAM. A grand
figure when to compared to 4 GB memory that could be accessed by its
32-bit older counterpart.
A 32-bit CPU can process 4 bytes of data
in one CPU cycle as 8 bits are equal to 1 byte. So, if the size of the
data to be processed is greater than 4 bytes, it would require the CPU
to go for another cycle to process the remaining data. In the case of a
64-bit CPU, the whole data, if less than 8 bytes, could be processed in a
single go. Even if the data is more than 8 bytes, the 64-bit processor
would require less time than the other one. You’ll not be able to notice
much difference in normal day usage, except that you are the one who
likes to multi-task between heavy applications. A 64-bit processor comes
in multi-core options enabling more processing power without increasing
the size of the hardware.
The difference: 32-bit vs 64-bit Windows OS
The
64-bit operating systems are designed to support more RAM than the
32-bit ones. Heavy applications like image editing software, AutoCAD,
and games could have a considerable performance boost after your machine
is packed with 16 exabytes of RAM, at least theoretically. The limit of
physical memory that can be used, depends on the fact whether your
motherboard will accept it or not. Practically, you don’t need hundreds
of gigs of RAM for gaming sessions.
The
minimum amount of RAM required for a 64-bit OS is 2 GB in comparison to
32-bit Windows which requires 1 GB RAM. It’s somewhat obvious because
with large-sized registers more memory will be required. You should pack
a memory chip of size 4 GB if you wanna experience the 64-bit Windows
in action. The Home edition of Windows 10 can deal with 128 GB while the
Pro has some serious limits, up to 2048 GB. You can stuff your machine
with as much RAM you like.
Another reason that accounts for its
widespread adoption is that it has now become more difficult to map
files in the physical in memory. This is because the average size of the
files is rocketing by the tick of the clock, usually more than 4
gigabytes.
One thing that you need to keep in mind is that a
32-bit OS works fine with a 64-bit processor but it won’t do any
wonders. You’ll have to install a 64-bit OS on your machine to take full
advantage of the 64-bit CPU. Also, the drivers and applications used
should be designed for 64-bit processors.
Windows 64-bit version
offers Kernel Patch Protection which prevents unsupported changes to the
kernel of the Windows OS along with Data Execution Prevention at
the hardware level. A digital signature for all the drivers is a must in
order to prevent installation of modified drivers which may be used to
inject malware on the machine.
The lack of
software availability
is a major downside for the higher bit operating system. Most of the
older legacy software and drivers may not run on the 64-bit Windows.
Many developers and companies are coming up with newer versions of their
software products with improved compatibility. Mozilla released the
64-bit version
of their Firefox browser back in December. Its adoption rate has made a
considerable jump in the last decade as various manufacturers and the
Windows-maker have made continual efforts to ship the 64-bit Windows
either pre-installed or along with the 32-bit Windows if bought
separately.
On a conclusive note, I would recommend you to go for
64-bit Windows because you need to keep in mind the future scenarios for
your machine. As of now, almost every computer comes with a 64-bit
processor packed in. If you’re using the older 32-bit operating system,
you’re wasting the computing resources you have paid for. As far as the
software availability is concerned, it is not a deal-breaker, be assured
there will be plenty of them.
