Get ready for 64-bit windows

MSND linke:http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384198(v=VS.85).aspx

Abstract Data Models

Every application and every operating system has an abstract data model, Many application do not explicitly expose.

LLP64 model, only pointers expand to 64 bits, all other basic data types(integer and long) remain 342 bits in length.

The New Data Types

Three classes of data types were introduced for 64-bit Windows: fixed-precision data types, pointer-precision types, and specific-pointer-precision types.

The MSDN link is: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384264(v=VS.85).aspx

The Environment

The Tools

Rules for Using Pointers

Virtual Address Space

Alignment Faults

On x64 systems, any alignment faults are handled by a combination of hardware and software. For best performance, all access to memory should be properly aligned.

Process Interoperability

 

and more about this to link:

http://www.dnjonline.com/article.aspx?id=jun07_access3264