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Im confused about 64-bit...help?
- Thread starter Dany M
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I only know that the advantage of 64Bit is the increase of usable memory. So with 64 Bit you can address more RAM than with 32 Bit. I know this isn't the most detailled answer but maybe it's ok for you?
This is more detailled
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64_bit64 Bit computing enables the computer to do exponentially more calculations than its 32 bit counterpart. Just raise 2 many many times and you'll see what i mean
but as far as i know, apps will not be taking advantage of this as most are designed for 32 bit os. i dont think 64 bt is too important right now unless you need a ton of ram
Yes, a 64-bit CPU and OS can address a huge amount of RAM (16 exabytes versus only 4 GB!), and in addition, for apps that are coded for 64-bit, they can perform some operations faster. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64-bit. Also, there was a demo by the Steve on I believe iPhoto or Photoshop or something of 32-bit versus 64-bit. For large libraries of photos, or for an extremely large photo, there is a huge performance increase with 64-bit.
But for general use, most people won't notice any improvement.
But for general use, most people won't notice any improvement.
The most likely advantage of 64-bit Leopard is the ability to (more easily) programme for larger memory spaces in already large software such as professional databases and 3D software. Some software has been hobbling along simulating a 64-bit address space and that can cause problems.
The operating system has been working with a 64-bit address space patch since the PowerPC 970*/G5 series was available. The PowerPC 970 only supported a 42-bit address, not a full 64-bit address, but more than the 32-bit addresses supported by the G4 series.
The Wiki is inaccurate in a few places, so like other articles on the internet, take it with a grain of salt. There was a PowerPC 604 in the mid-1990s that was the first 64-bit PowerPC processor. It didn't work out, as it was limited to 150 MHz and went to the IBM AS/400 people and was redesigned to become the PowerPC_AS that they don't clearly mention later.
64-bits could be data, memory, or operation size. The PowerPC G4 with its AltiVec SIMD unit was able to work on 128-bits of data at once, though the G4 was clearly a 32-bit processor otherwise.