The differences between 32-bit vs. 64-bit operating systems explained

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows?

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system.

So you just bought a fancy new computer, and it’s got a big sticker on it that says “64-bit!”. Have you found yourself wondering why this particular computing buzzword is so prominently featured on your new hardware, and what exactly it means? Modern computing has been shifting towards 64-bit for a few years now, and it has saturated the market to a point where even entry-level computers are equipped with these new, more powerful processors.

What are bits?

                                   

                                 The number of bits in a processor refers to the size of the data types that it handles and the size of its registry. A 64-bit processor is capable of storing 264 computational values, including memory addresses, which means it’s able to access over four billion times as much physical memory than a 32-bit processor! The key difference: 32-bit processors are perfectly capable of handling a limited amount of RAM, and 64-bit processors are capable of utilizing much more. Of course, in order to achieve this, your operating system also needs to be designed to take advantage of the greater access to memory. This Microsoft page runs down memory limitations for multiple versions of Windows.

How many bits?

                                          As a general rule, if you have under 4 GB of RAM in your computer, you don’t need a 64-bit CPU, but if you have 4 GB or more, you do. While many users may find that a 32-bit processor provides them with enough performance and memory access, applications that tend to use large amounts of memory may show vast improvements with the upgraded processor. Image and video editing software, 3D rendering utilities, and video games will make better use of a 64-bit architecture and operating system, especially if the machine has 8 or even 16 GB of RAM that can be divided among the applications that need it.

                                               Through hardware emulation, it’s possible to run 32-bit software and operating systems on a machine with a 64-bit processor. The opposite isn’t true however, in that 32-bit processors cannot run software designed with 64-bit architecture in mind. This means if you want to take full advantage of your new processor you also need a new operating system, otherwise you won’t experience any marked benefits over the 32-bit version of your hardware.

Operating System Differences:

                                               With an increase in the availability of 64-bit processors and larger capacities of RAM, Microsoft and Apple both have begun to develop and release upgraded versions of their operating systems that are designed to take full advantage of the new technology. In the case of Microsoft Windows, the basic versions of the operating systems put software limitations on the amount of RAM that can be used by applications, but even in the ultimate and professional version of the operating system, 4 GB is the maximum usable memory the 32-bit version can handle. While a 64-bit operating system can increase the capabilities of a processor drastically, the real jump in power comes from software designed with this architecture in mind.

Software and Drivers:

                                              

                                              Applications with high performance demands already take advantage of the increase in available memory, with companies releasing 64-bit versions of their programs. This is especially useful on programs that can store a lot of information for immediate access, like image editing and software that opens multiple large files at the same time.

Why Keyboard is Qwerty.

Why keyboard is Qwerty:

The arrangement of characters on a QWERTY keyboard was designed in 1868 by Christopher Sholes, the inventor of the typewriter. According to popular myth, Sholes arranged the keys in their odd fashion to prevent jamming on mechanical typewriters by separating commonly used letter combinations.

 QWERTY refers to them arrangement of keys on a Standard English computer keyboard or typewriter. The name derives from the first six characters on the top alphabetic line of the keyboard.

Arrangement of Characters

The arrangement of characters on a QWERTY keyboard was designed in 1868 by Christopher Sholes, the inventor of the typewriter. According to popular myth, Sholes arranged the keys in their odd fashion to prevent jamming on mechanical typewriters by separating commonly used letter combinations. However, there is no evidence to support this assertion, except that the arrangement does, in fact, inhibit fast typing.

New Keyboards:

With the emergence of ball-head electric typewriters and computer keyboards, on which jamming is not an issue, new keyboards designed for speed typing has been invented. The best-known is called a Dvorak keyboard. Despite their more rational designs, these new keyboards have not received wide acceptance. The AZERTY keyboard is the French version of the standard QWERTY keyboard.

Sony Smart Glasses

Wearable technology - like this Sony head-mounted display - is front and center at the Las Vegas trade show.

Trendspotter predicts more mindful living, telepathic technology in 2014

Among the global advertising and marketing company's predictions for the new year is a march to "mindful living," with more consumers actively trying to shut out distractions and focus on the moment. But as trend reports often go, this one is mixed, for Mindful Living is listed with The Age of Impatience in JWT's Top 10 for next year.

In the peace-of-mind department, look no further than the Slow Food Movement broadening, simply, to Slow; the rise of the digital detox like Camp Grounded in Northern California's Anderson Valley; and Silicon Valley's infatuation with all things Zen, said Ann Mack, the company's director of trend-spotting.

Google already offers employees meditation as part of a "Search Inside Yourself" course, along with regular silent "mindful" lunches, for instance. And there's an app or three, including Headspace for on-the-go meditators who are prompted to check in with themselves, Mack said.

The mind-calming, mind-blowing concept goes like this, according to Mack: "You're enjoying what you're doing in the here and now and not on social media broadcasting or seeing what everybody else is doing."

WOW. As for JOMO, as opposed to FOMO, Mack credits tech blogger Anil Dash for coming up with the former when he realized after a month unplugged following the birth of his son that he happily hadn't missed anything at all.

While some people work on their downward-facing dogs at yoga class, the on-demand economy will churn away in 2014, said the ninth annual JWT report.

To satisfy the need for all things instant, binge viewing and same-hour delivery bubbled up to satiate all age segments, especially hyperconnected Millennials who expect things can be achieved, acquired and enjoyed with the help of mobile technology in real time. Even they're pushing back some on how they perceive technology, Mack said in a recent interview.

"I think the real surprise is the fact that as we get more immersed in technology we're starting to question its siren call, although we're not resisting it entirely," she said.

"There's a Jekyll and Hyde quality that we speak about in raging against the machine. You know, we are still very much embracing it but resisting it simultaneously," Mack added. "Over the past several years we've let technology rule us and now we're ready to rule it and find a balance in our lives because we realize technology is here to stay but it's fundamentally changing our relationships, our behaviours, perhaps even our brains."

Which leads to another JWT prediction: the rise of Telepathic Technology.

Google Glass? So yesterday.

The report said brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, will push further into the commercial mainstream next year. Currently nascent, mind-controlled cars to art exhibits rely on the brain-wave activity of consumers. As traditional EEG systems have been pared down, they're no longer the domain of health providers alone.

Applications at a lower cost have proliferated for commercial consumption, the report said.

A Silicon Valley company called NeuroSky is looking ahead, partnering with Mattel to create mind-powered toys, for example, while another company has come up with a headset that can read a wearer's mood to provide the perfect playlist, according to the report.

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/trendspotter-predicts-more-mindful-living-telepathic-technology-in-2014-1.1603875#ixzz3G7rziOOo