Many users when installed on a personal computer operating system, Windows sincerely wonder which of the versions of the platform to choose - x64 or x86?And all that really mean these cuts?
Program with x64, or x86: there is a difference
As mentioned above, the operating system, usually accompanied by strange abbreviations.However, you can see them during downloading different programs that too often allow the user to choose the right version of x64, or x86.Let's try to understand all the mysteries of the numerical.Let's start with the fact that in the world of computers, there are various types of processors that have a different architecture.Expression of movement by leaps and bounds is the best suited to the computer chip industry, but especially rapidly developed and improved processors have started in the last decade.
Location happened
Sometime in the beginning of the way computer chips allows users to work
operating systems and programs on a 16-bit basis, and later to help them come to more advanced 32-bit counterparts, but now progress has already been able to touch64-bit architectures and even extend them seriously on the world.
you, dear readers, today hardly find computers that support 16-bit programs, and new PC are available, as a rule, with the most modern architecture and are supplied with a 64-bit operating systems.
pioneer in the field of 64-bit computing chip is considered, AMD.Therefore, software developers generalize these processors under the name "Amd64".It is important to understand that such a designation does not mean that the game, which the characteristics of the specified item amd64, will not run on computers running 64-bit processors authorship of Intel.
In the above case it is a generalization of the ordinary, who managed to firmly enter into practice.Sami reduction x64, or x86 corresponds to the name of different processor architecture - 64 or 32, respectively.If we talk about the use of these designations to the modern operating systems, they represent bit.
How to learn x64, or x86 OS installed on the PC?
Often users try to determine which bit or, in other words, the type of operating system installed on their computer at the moment.To solve the problem, you need to hover your mouse over the icon "Computer" on the desktop (using the standard Windows) and click on it once right.
Later in the context menu, select "Properties".After the performed actions in front of you should open a window with a full list of specifications of your computer and operating system.Thus, you can see one of the pair of options: 32-bit operating system or 64-bit.
That's the uncomplicated way we figured out how to check, x86 or x64-based programs should be installed.Next, it must be said that feature 64-bit programs lies in their incredible performance, but on the other hand - they are too demanding with respect to the memory.Here it is, confirmation of the rule that everything is good in moderation: the installation of a 64-bit operating system to a weak laptop with a couple of gigabytes of RAM and 32-bit classic processor - this is a mistake, however, on the other hand, the 32-bit program, and the system is notunable to see more than 3 GB of RAM.If at your disposal a personal computer, memory which is 4 gigabytes or more, you can safely install 64-bit Windows-based platforms, respectively, the program must also be 64-bit.Programs of this type use the resources available on the computer to the maximum, in fact, the actual question of what is best - windows x86 or x64, formulated not quite correct, since both platforms are good, and the choice is determined by the required configuration of a single computer.
Windows x64: pitfalls
Currently, due to the unresolved some questions that are fighting developers and engineers all over the world, it turned out that the most perfect platform Windows x64, except for a set of indisputable advantages,we talked about
above, there are a number of disadvantages, which also should not be forgotten.Let's start with the fact that if you use your computer for a long time and has a number of components that have for many years did not fail, it is likely that the transition to 64-bit version of the operating system to find the drivers for these devices can be quite problematic.The fact that the developers of various gadgets are reluctant to release updates for the products that had been phased out, thereby trying to encourage customers to purchase new equipment.And there's very few people will listen to the argument, if your scanner or printer is the best in the world.
We have already noted that the Windows x64 consumes more resources, but it must be said that all the programs for the 64-bit environment and begin to "wanting more."Finally, if you decide to install an unsigned driver, it will require a number of additional actions.
On the other side of the scale is access to all the resources of RAM installed on your computer.If there is even some Windows x64 32-bit applications can benefit from access to 4 GB of RAM, for example, the game "Stalker" and "Gothic".For comparison, among the 32-bit operating system, programs and games have access to 2 GB of memory, and in very rare cases - to 3 GB.
Some authors argue that, no matter what platform - x64 or x86 - the user chooses, the performance of programs will remain at the same level.It is very difficult to disprove this view entirely, because performance indicators depends on a number of circumstances and factors, but the practice proved that the program for the audio and video, as well as a number of professional and archiver programs behave much more active.
If the dilemma «x86 or x64: what to put" you finally decided in favor of the latter, however, do not want to part with the old good programs, you should know that 99 percent of 32-bit applications without sacrificing performance and any problems working in 64bit environment.As for gaming performance, it depends primarily on the performance of your video driver.
PS: all the things mentioned above had not
we know exactly how to define the x86 or x64, but there was a series of small things, which is also worth mentioning.For example, we already know almost everything about the bit, in addition to the definition of the term, however, we note that the word length is the ability to handle at the same time a certain amount of information, which is measured in bits.
Unattainable border
Interestingly, the 64-bit architecture also has its limits regarding the perceived memory: x64 can not see more than 192 GB of RAM.Another interesting point: the volume of natural 64-bit applications as
typically 20-40% more than the 32-bit counterparts, but do not immediately run for the new hard disk drive, because this rule does not apply to such entertainment materialsas videos (movies) or music.
Number doubt - 4
We should also discuss the fate of the PC with 4 GB of RAM.Here's the thing: on the one hand, the 32-bit operating systems only see 3GB memory and a choice in favor of the 64 sounds obvious, but do not forget that Windows x64 just to force yourself to work, will require twice as much RAM than its32-bit "sister", and victory in this case seems to be very controversial.In such circumstances, the choice should be determined not by mathematical calculations, and your needs and the tasks you are going to put in front of a computer.And do not wait for the external effects, because in terms of design 32 and 64-bit operating systems are identical.
News from Adobe
If you are an artist or designer, grieved or please the recent announcement by Adobe that all modern applications Adobe CS5 will be 64-bit.In other words, Dreamweaver CS5, Photoshop CS5 and similar well-known applications can run only on 64-bit system.32-bit platform simply does not recognize.
Everything was just
So we figured out how to learn, x64 or x86 systems you have installed, and which option to choose.As you can see, it was not too difficult, and has taken away only a few minutes of your time.It is important to understand that in this case only the internal differences and to determine as accurately as possible, what it is you want from your PC, it is for you - working tool or one that gives you entertainment.If the PC is set up well, its ability to be transformed.
