What is 64-bit computing?
In [[computer science]], '''64-bit computing''' refers to a [[microprocessor]]'s [[data stream]].<ref>Jon Stokes, ''Inside the Machine: An Illustrated Introduction to Microprocessors and '' (San Francisco, CA: No Starch Press, 2007), p. 181</ref> It means an [[operating system]] can use more [[computer memory]] at one time. This makes a 64-bit system much faster than a [[32-bit computing|32-bit]] system. A 32-bit system can only use up to 3.56 [[gigabyte]]s of [[random-access memory]] (called RAM or memory).<ref name=Leonhard32v64>{{cite web |url=http://www.dummies.com/computers/operating-systems/windows-8/32-bit-versus-64-bit-versions-of-windows-8-1/ |title=32-Bit Versus 64-Bit Versions of Windows 8.1 |author=Woody Leonhard |website=Dummies |publisher=John Wiley & Sons, Inc |access-date=December 29, 2016}}</ref> A 64-bit system can use much more memory making it [[wikt:considerable|considerably]] faster.<ref name=Leonhard32v64/> Using an [[analogy]], a 64-bit system is like a 64 lane [[highway]].<ref name=Shelly237>Gary B. Shelly; Misty E. Vermaat, ''Discovering Computers 2010: Living in a Digital World, Complete'' (Boston: Cengage Learning, 2010), p. 237</ref> If each bit were a [[car]], it means 64 of them can move at the same time.<ref name=Shelly237/> == References == {{reflist}} == Other websites == * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IknbgnJLSRY 32-bit vs 64-bit Computers & Phones as Fast As Possible; YouTube] [[Category:Computer architecture]]