32 bit and 64-bit Operating Systems

Working principle of Operating Systems

A computer or a mobile user requires input hardware tools and a program to interact with the device. Operating systems help us to accomplish basic tasks and access all the application software installed on the computer. The basic tasks include accepting data and processing them according to commands fed through input devices, file handling, operating peripheral devices like scanners, printers, etc. 

In the modern world, Microsoft Windows is the most popular option among personal and professional computer users. Also, there are other notable operating systems like UNIX and LINUX which are preferred by users for their effectiveness regarding speed and customization. Also after the initial purchase is being done, all the incorporated features are free in LINUX which makes it more desirable. 

Coming back to the topic, devices can be upgraded if they have an operating system software. This is because the OS does not correspond to physical circuits. They are a set of portable codes which can be modified as desired. Advanced operating systems offer more memory, faster processing, improved software security, and help the input and output devices to connect with the CPU seamlessly. Regardless of the type of computer, operating systems are designed by the developers in a way so that they can work efficiently on a vast range of machines that have different storage capacities.

Real-time operating systems find applications in the industrial sector where multiple tasks need to be processed at the same time. This operating system does not offer much user interface as almost everything is pre-programmed. Examples of these operating systems are – airline reservation systems, robots, multimedia systems, etc.

Single user, single time operating systems like Palm OS, MS-DOS allowed a single user to solve one particular problem at a single time. This resulted in more memory consumption and less productivity. These were replaced by single user multitasking OS like Microsoft Windows and Macintosh by Apple that allows the users to run multiple applications at the same time. This upgrade means one can easily play video games and listen to music at the same time on the same device.

Then we come across multi-user operating systems like UNIX that allow multiple users to access a single device’s resources at the same time. If one person faces any problem while working on his device or while running an application, there is no hindrance in the rest of the network. However, it is different from the distributed network where the hub goes missing and packets of data are dispersed among all the machines. It is inexpensive compared to multiuser operating systems.

Meaning of 32 bit and 64-bit Operating Systems

A CPU processes the input data each time a user sends instructions to perform a task. Bits are the tiniest units of data in binary form (0s and 1s)that the CPU receives. By using a 32 bit operating system we can understand that a matrix of 32 bits of data or 4 bytes will be transmitted to the CPU during one clock cycle. On the other hand, a 64-bit operating system addresses the same number of memory locations within the CPU’s register. Thus they guarantee better speed and smoother performance.

To run 64 bit operating systems we need 64-bit processors to recognize the application. Also, the various protective measures like antivirus software are distinctly written for 32 bit and 64-bit Operating Systems. Thus the one designed for 64 bit will never function in 32 bit. 32-bit processors can transmit 232bits or approximately 4 gigabytes of data to the CPU for processing during one clock cycle. The actual value is a bit less – close to 3.5 GB because besides the memory addresses the register needs to maintain temporary values for operation. The capacity increases to a million times in the case of 64-bit processors that can address 16 gigabytes of memory at a single time. 64-bit operating systems make optimum use of resources to save time as it allows the computer to utilize more RAM. New generation computers with more than 4 gigabytes of RAM should use 64 bit operating systems for optimum performance. 64 bit Windows and OS X is accepted worldwide as reliable system software. 

Difference between 32 bit and 64-bit Operating Systems 

32-bit processors permit 4 gigabytes of address during a single transmission of data compared to that of 16 gigabytes offered by a 64-bit processor. 

64-bit processor applications will not be supported by 32 bit operating systems. On the contrary, both 32 and 64-bit applications will run in a system with 64 bit OS. 

32-bit Operating Systems like WindowsXP, Vista, etc. are not supported in new generation computers. 

Windows 8, 10, and Mac OS are some typical examples of 64 bit operating systems for high performance. 

Conclusion

Computers are booted with a primary operating system to serve the users with a vast range of operations. This can file fetching, calculation, accessing peripheral devices, and other complex tasks. 32 bit operating systems help the CPU to work on 32 bits of data during a single function. This is highly inefficient as nowadays users rely on multitasking. To run applications smoothly 64 bit operating systems have been used in devices for the last couple of decades.