Difference between 32-Bit vs. 64 Bit Operating System
Difference between 32-Bit vs. 64 Bit Operating System
A 32-bit system can access 232 memory addresses, i.e 4 GB of RAM or physical memory ideally, it can access more than 4 GB of RAM also. A 64-bit system can access 264 memory addresses, i.e actually 18-Quintillion bytes of RAM. In short, any amount of memory greater than 4 GB can be easily handled by it. 32 bit Operating System allow 32 bit of data processing simultaneously and 64 bit operating system allow 64 bit of data processing simultaneously. a byte is the unit of data and processing of data is generally denoted as bit processing. In general, there exist two types of processors namely a 32-bit processor and a 64-bit processor.
Difference between 32-Bit vs. 64 Bit Operating System
| Parameters | 32 Bit OS | 64 Bit OS |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture and Software. | Allow 32 bit of data processing simultaneously. | Allow 64 bit of data processing simultaneously. |
| Compatibility | 32-bit applications require 32-bit OS and CPUs. | 64-bit applications require a 64-bit OS and CPU. |
| Systems Available | All versions of Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP, Linux, etc. | Windows XP Professional, Vista, 7, Mac OS X and Linux. |
| Memory Limits | 32-bit systems are limited to 3.2 GB of RAM. | 64-bit systems allow a maximum 17 Billion GB of RAM. |
| Performance | The 32-bit processor as compared to the 64-bit processor is less efficient in a factor of performance. | On the other hand, a 64-bit processor is more recommended for multitasking and other heavy application execution due to its high performance as compared to a 32-bit processor. |
Check the version of Operating System
In windows
Click on Start icon-search/type system in the Start Search box, and then click system in the Programs list. The operating system is displayed as follows: For a 64-bit version operating system, 64-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System. For a 32-bit version operating system, 32-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.