Possibly stupid question...

[Invisible]

Hi folks.

Numerus peope have asked if they have XP 32-bit or 64-bit. I *presume*
that's a reference to the architecture of the processor it's written to run
on, yes?

Well, that would make sense, except... AFAIK, 64-bit processors [for home
computers] don't exist yet! :-| Have I missed something critically
important?

Thanks.

 

[Wesley]

i think people want to think they spent thousands and
thousands of dollars on a computer for their homes to be
superior to others. Or they just dont know what the hell
it is and are confused when they see two differnt types a
32 bit and 64 bit.

 

[purplehaz]

64bit processors do exisit and you could build yourself a computer based on
it or buy a HP, they have full 64bit systems for sale. Mac does as well. Yes
they are expensive and yes the average home user isn't gonna get one or need
one now, but you can get one if you want. Except to spend over 3000
dollars(us).
http://www.hp.com/workstations/itanium/
http://www.apple.com/powermac/

 

[SunSpot]

Hi folks.

Numerus peope have asked if they have XP 32-bit or 64-bit. I *presume*
that's a reference to the architecture of the processor it's written to run
on, yes?

Well, that would make sense, except... AFAIK, 64-bit processors [for home
computers] don't exist yet! :-| Have I missed something critically
important?

It depends on what you consider a "home" computer.
My brother in law is using a 64 bit machine in his home, it only cost him
$3,600.
My first "home" computer (PPro 200) purchesed from gateway cost me $4,500,
so his first computer cost less then mine did.
I have a server in my basement that would cost well over $10,000 to purchase
but it's my home machine.
With the 64 bit machines being available for as little as $3,200 now, that
could be a home
machine for alot of people depending on what they wanted to do with it.

 

[Tim Slattery]

Hi folks.

Numerus peope have asked if they have XP 32-bit or 64-bit. I *presume*
that's a reference to the architecture of the processor it's written to run
on, yes?

Well, that would make sense, except... AFAIK, 64-bit processors [for home
computers] don't exist yet! :-| Have I missed something critically
important?

Yup, you've missed something. Intel makes the Itanium processor, which
is 64-bits. You're right that at this point it's exotic and very
expensive and *very* few - if any - home systems use it.

 

[Larc]

| Numerus peope have asked if they have XP 32-bit or 64-bit. I *presume*
| that's a reference to the architecture of the processor it's written to run
| on, yes?
|
| Well, that would make sense, except... AFAIK, 64-bit processors [for home
| computers] don't exist yet! :-| Have I missed something critically
| important?

They are for sale now, so I guess somebody could buy one for his home. But
since they're designed for 64-bit programs and run 32-bit programs only in a
slower emulation mode, about the only thing that laying out mucho bucks for a
64-bit system would buy the average home user is bragging rights. It certainly
wouldn't buy him any gain for his 32-bit programs.

Larc



§§§ - Please raise temperature of mail to reply by e-mail - §§§

 

[Invisible]

Well, that would make sense, except... AFAIK, 64-bit processors [for home

computers] don't exist yet! :-| Have I missed something critically
important?

Yup, you've missed something. Intel makes the Itanium processor, which
is 64-bits. You're right that at this point it's exotic and very
expensive and *very* few - if any - home systems use it.

I heard Intel was *going* to make a 64-bit processor - one day. Didn't know
it was actually on sale yet (and there are motherboards that support it, etc
etc, much less SOFTWARE...)

Thanks.

 

[Invisible]

Well, that would make sense, except... AFAIK, 64-bit processors [for home

computers] don't exist yet! :-| Have I missed something critically
important?

They do - Intel's Itanium 1 and 2, and AMDs Opteron are all out there
(mostly in servers, it must be said, but you can get a 'home' system if
you really want one). MS don't have any 64bit OS except for the Itaniums
so far (so they'd do better to call it 'the Itanium version').

I expect I'll have an Athlon64 to play with before =too= long, but
whether I'll be able to afford to run 64bit OS on it, I sort of doubt
(and I don't have any reason to anyway).

I heart Intel and AMD were both *planning* to make 64-bit processors...
Didn't know that were actually *on sale* yet! (And with motherboard, etc to
support them, much less SOFTWARE...)

Thanks for that...

 

[Alex Nichol]

Numerus peope have asked if they have XP 32-bit or 64-bit. I *presume*
that's a reference to the architecture of the processor it's written to run
on, yes?
Correct

Well, that would make sense, except... AFAIK, 64-bit processors [for home
computers] don't exist yet! :-| Have I missed something critically
important?

They do - Intel's Itanium has been out for some time, together with
machines using it (and XP 64 bit). You would notice a $10000 plus hole
in the pocket, though

 

[SunSpot]

Numerus peope have asked if they have XP 32-bit or 64-bit. I *presume*
that's a reference to the architecture of the processor it's written to run
on, yes?
Correct

Well, that would make sense, except... AFAIK, 64-bit processors [for home
computers] don't exist yet! :-| Have I missed something critically
important?

They do - Intel's Itanium has been out for some time, together with
machines using it (and XP 64 bit). You would notice a $10000 plus hole
in the pocket, though


--
Alex Nichol MS MVP (Windows Technologies)
Bournemouth, U.K. (e-mail address removed)


Alex, you can purchase a new Itanium machine with XP 64 bit for less then
$3,500 now.