Why is the 32-bit system called the x86 system?

Network information:

x86 refers to the architecture of a CPU
Named for Intel's 8086,286,386~586.
Most of the CPUs developed by AMD are also based on the x86 architecture

The x86 architecture is characterized by a 32-bit CPU register, which is also called a 32-bit CPU

32-bit CPU-based operating system is called 32-bit operating system, because the current x86 architecture in the 32-bit CPU visibility, 32-bit operating system is also commonly referred to as x86 system

Network information:

Information Source: http://www.jb51.net/softjc/17852.html

Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7 in the beta phase have both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions. In the face of two versions of disc image download, often let some netizens at a loss: actually choose which version better? Below, I use the most concise text as far as possible to answer the most detailed: the existence of the &ldquo

Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7 in the beta phase have both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions. In the face of two versions of disc image download, often let some netizens at a loss: actually choose which version better? Below, I use the most concise text as far as possible to answer the most detailed: the existence of the "five big difference." At the same time, highlighting the Microsoft Windows64-bit (x64) operating system, what are the biggest advantages and disadvantages with respect to 32-bit (x86) operating systems?

First, the original design is different. The 64-bit operating system was designed to meet the needs of a wide range of memory and floating-point performance in areas such as mechanical design and analysis, three-dimensional animation, video editing and authoring, and scientific computing and high-performance computing applications. In other words, they are a platform for high-tech personnel to use the industry's special software. The 32-bit operating system is designed for ordinary users.

Second, it requires different configurations. A 64-bit operating system can only be installed on a 64-bit computer (the CPU must be 64-bit). You also need to install 64 common software to perform the best performance of 64-bit (x64). The 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 installed on 64-bit computers, its hardware is like "Big Horse Cart": 64-bit performance will be greatly discounted.

Thirdly, the operation speed is different. The data width of the 64-bit CPU GPRs (general-purpose registers, universal Register) is 64 bits, and the 64-bit instruction set can run 64-bit data instructions, which means that the processor can fetch 64 bits of data at a time (as long as two instructions, fetch 8 bytes of data at a time), Up to 32 bits (requiring four instructions, extracting 4 bytes of data at a time) increases the theoretical performance by a factor of 1 time.

Four, the addressing ability is different. The advantages of a 64-bit processor are also reflected in system-to-memory control. Because the address uses a special integer, an alu (arithmetic logic operator) and register can handle larger integers, or larger addresses. For example, the Windows Vista x64 Edition supports up to 32 GB of memory and up to five terabytes of virtual memory, while a maximum of 4G of memory can be supported on up to two-bit CPUs and operating systems.

Five, the software popularization is different. Currently, 64-bit software is much less than 32 common software. The rationale is simple: relatively few users use 64-bit operating systems. Therefore, software developers must consider "input-output ratio", the limited funds into more users of the software. This is also why the 64-bit software is relatively expensive (to put the cost into a smaller offering).

All in all, Microsoft Windows 64-bit operating system, must be "on" on the support of 64-bit host hardware, "under" the assistance of 64 common software, in order to take the advantages of 64-bit to the extreme, "Trinity" indispensable (the reason is very simple: the operating system is a connecting platform). As for the 64-bit computer can install 32-bit operating system, 64-bit operating system can install 32-bit software, that is the design of "backwards compatibility", not the original meaning of the 64-bit design (described above).

--Finally, I remind some netizens:

1, 64-bit computer can install 32-bit operating system, but 32-bit computer must not install 64-bit operating system. This is important to keep in mind to avoid blindly downloading and installing.

2. On a 32-bit operating system running on a 64-bit computer, you cannot install a 64-bit operating system by hard disk installation. If installed, the preferred disc format installation method, you can also use a more cumbersome DOS installation.

3. Installing the operating system using a virtual machine is actually installing the software on the operating system that is currently running. Therefore, a 64-bit operating system cannot be installed on a 32-bit operating system. Even if the "curve" way reluctantly installed, in fact, has been out of the support of the underlying equipment, is no doubt.

Why is the 32-bit system called the x86 system?