Over at bit-tech they’ve published an article on the pros and cons of a 64-bit environment. The article is quite easy to understand and offers a simple explanation of why ignoring a 64-bit operating system just because it only supports more memory is just plain wrong. The article starts from the beginning by explaining what “words” are, how they work, but also that even though a 64-bit OS can handle twice as much data per cycle through the larger words, it doesn’t mean that it is actually twice as fast as 32-bit. For example, they also explain that the support for more memory isn’t just a perk, but also a downside as the 64-bit OS also needs slightly more RAM at an overall rate. A good read for those who wants to know a little more about the pros and cons of 64-bit operating systems.
