The phrase “64-bit” has been tossed around lately, the most it’s been since the Nintendo 64. If you haven’t heard it, pay attention. One of the most important steps forward in computer power is happening right under your nose, but most people don’t know thanks to the sneaky efforts of Microsoft and Apple. Though fully 64-bit operating systems are the OSes of tomorrow, you can taste some of that power today with 64-bit versions of Windows and OS X. Here’s why 64-bit computing is so awesome:
Chris Gunther
November 6, 2008 at 9:03 AM
I like your mention of hibernation – something really important for laptops. Windows XP 64 won’t allow hibernation if you have 4Gb or more RAM installed because it thinks it will take too long to copy to disk. Thanks Microsoft.
Report Permalink64bit is old news
November 6, 2008 at 4:13 PM
just how exactly is this “news”?
consumer grade 64bit hardware and software has already been around for years.
nothing to see here, move along…
Report PermalinkHammer
January 20, 2009 at 7:38 PM
In X86 land (intel and AMD processors) 64 bit means more than just memory.
When AMD introduced 64bit (in x86) a few years ago, they added a few memory registers as well. Which means your CPU can work on more stuff at once.
You should, in theory at least, get a performance boost running a 64bit system over an identical 32 bit system.
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