32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) explanations in Windows

Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7 in the testing stage both have 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions.
In the face of downloading two versions of CD images, some netizens are often confused: Which version is better?
Next, I try to give the most detailed answer in the simplest words: the "five differences" between the two ".
At the same time, it focuses on the Microsoft Windows 64-bit (x64) operating system. What are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of the 32-bit (x86) operating system?

First, the original design is different. The 64-bit operating system was designed to meet the needs of mechanical design and analysis, 3D animation, video editing and creation, as well as scientific
Computing and high-performance computing applicationsProgramCustomers who require a large amount of memory and floating point performance in other fields. In other words, they are the operating platforms for high-tech personnel to use special software in this industry. 32-bit operation
The operating system is designed for common users.

Second, different configurations are required. The 64-bit operating system can only be installed on 64-bit computers (the CPU must be 64-bit ). At the same time, 64-bit installation is required.
Common Software to achieve the best performance of 64-bit (x64. A 32-bit operating system can be installed on a 32-bit (32-bit CPU) or 64-bit (64-bit CPU) computer. Of course, the 32-bit Operating System Security
Installed on 64-bit computers, the hardware is like a "Mara car": the 64-Bit performance will be greatly reduced.

Third, the computing speed is different. 64-bit cpu gprs (general-purpose
Registers (general-purpose register) has a data width of 64-bit. The 64-bit instruction set can run 64-bit data instructions. That is to say, the processor can extract 64-bit data at a time.
8-byte data is doubled than 32-bit data (four instructions are required to extract 4 bytes at a time). Theoretically, the performance is doubled.

Fourth, different addressing capabilities. The advantage of a 64-bit processor lies in the system's memory control. Because the address uses a special integer
Alu (Arithmetic Logic calculator) and registers can process larger integers, that is, larger addresses. For example, Windows Vista x64 Edition supports 128
GB memory and up to 16 TB virtual memory, while 32-bit CPU and operating system support up to 4 GB memory.

Fifth, the popularity of software varies. Currently, 64-bit commonly used software is much less than 32-bit commonly used software. The principle is simple: 64-bit Operating System
Fewer users. Therefore, software developers must consider the "input-output ratio" and invest limited funds in software for more users. This is why 64-bit software is expensive.
(The cost will be shared in a small amount of sales ).

All in all, Microsoft Windows
For a 64-bit operating system, the "TOP" depends on the support of the 64-bit host hardware, and the "bottom" relies on the assistance of 64-bit common software to maximize the 64-bit advantage, "trinity" is indispensable (the truth is simple:
The operating system is just a startup platform ). For 64-bit computers, 32-bit operating systems can be installed, 64-bit operating systems can be installed with 32-bit software, which is designed to be "backward compatible", not 64-bit
The original meaning of the original intention (as described above ).

Finally, I would like to remind some netizens:

1. Although a 64-bit computer can install a 32-bit operating system, a 32-bit computer cannot install a 64-bit operating system. This is important to remember to avoid blind download and installation.

2. 64-bit operating systems running on 64-bit computers cannot be installed on hard disks. If the disk is installed, the preferred method is to format the disk, and the complicated dos installation method can also be used.

3. Using a virtual machine to install the operating system is actually installing software on the operating system currently running. Therefore, a 64-bit operating system cannot be installed on a 32-bit operating system. Even if the installation is barely implemented by using the "curve" method, it is no doubt that it is out of the support of the underlying device.