Processor

How to Know If You Have a 32bit or 64bit Processor or Operating System

We will first explain what is the difference between 32 bit and 64 bit processor and Operating System. Obviously a 64 bit processor can process more data much quicker than a 32 bit processor. However, if you use a 64bit CPU on your machine you also need to install 64bit compatible software to take full advantage of it.
A 64bit operating system on the other hand such as 64 bit build Windows XP or Windows Vista are cannot be used on a computer with a 32 bit processor but you can use 32bit software with a 64bit powered computer.

Now, How to know if your computer is 32 bit or 64 bit?
1. Click on your Start Menu
2. Choose All Programs
3. Go to Accessories then System Tools
4. Click on System Information

Look on your OS name and Processor. If it say’s that you have x86 then you have a 32 bit processor. If mentioned that your processor is a ia64 or AMD64 then you have a 64 bit processor. If it said Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version then obviously you have a 64bit operating system. As you can see on my sample image above, it says that I have a 32bit processor and using a 32bit operating system.
If you are using Windows Vista, you can access System Information by using the same steps above. Start menu – Programs – Accessories – System tools – System information. You can also access it by typing system on your search bar in the start menu.

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The difference between 64 and 32 bit processors

In the future, the battle between 64 bit vs 32 bit processors will inevitably yield the 64 bit processor as the victor, but this transition is going to take some time.

First, I’ll talk about the pure mathematics and structure of the processors that are involved here. I’ll keep this part short and sweet.

A bit is short for “binary digit.” It is basically how a computer stores and makes references to data, memory, etc. A bit can have a value of 1 or 0, that’s it. So binary code is streams of 1’s and 0’s, such as this random sequence 100100100111. These bits are also how your processor does calculations. By using 32 bits your processor can represent numbers from 0 to 4,294,967,295 while a 64-bit machine can represent numbers from 0 to 18,446,744,073,709,551,615. Obviously this means your computer can do math with larger numbers, and be more efficient with smaller numbers.

Now see, that description wasn’t too bad, but the question is how does this affect you, the average PC owner? The largest benefit will go to academic institutions and private companies, where large calculations are being performed, huge databases are being accessed, and complex problems are being solved.

Everyone that doesn’t fall into that category will see some benefit of using 64 bit processors over 32 bit processors, but not much in today’s marketplace. The AMD Athlon 64-bit processor is completely backward compatible, meaning you can currently use it with 32-bit operating system and software programs. You will see some benefits by using this setup, but because the programs weren’t written to take advantage of the extra power, they won’t use much of it.

The true benefits of this set up don’t come from the amount of bits, but by the improved structure of the 64 bit vs 32 bit processor's older structure. A 64-bit processor is made with more advanced silicon processes, have more transistors, and faster speeds. This is currently where the true benefit of switching to a 64-bit processor lays.

As for 64-bit operating systems and software, many are in the works, but nothing is in final version. Microsoft has released a beta version of windows XP that takes advantage of the 64 bit technology, but there are still issues. The problem is when you run 32-bit software programs in the environment of a 64-bit operating system. Many programs won’t work properly, such as Adobe Acrobat and Windows Media Player, for example. Another issue is RAM. You really need about 4 GB of RAM to take full advantage of the capabilities offered by a 64-bit processor, while most PC owners have less than 1 GB under their computer’s hood.

So, the question now is should you buy a 64 bit processor now, or wait?

Disadvantages:

You’re currently not able to take full advantage of the technology because the software vendors haven’t made the switch from 32-bit to 64-bit processors.

Most AMD Athlon 64 bit processors are expensive, with prices sure to go down in the future.

Advantages:

Better performance out of a 32-bit operating system.

Probably the last processor you’ll have to buy for many years to come.

You’ll be the talk of all your friends! 
As you can see, a sound argument can be made for both cases. You’ll have to determine if the differences will benefit your situation and computing future. I’ll leave the ultimate decision up to you.

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