When you download a software and try to install it, you might notice that a lot of applications and software are offered in a 32-bit and 64-bit version. Hardware and software come in 32-bit and 64-bit variants. Which one do you have? Which one do you need? You need to know that computers are equipped with either a 32-bit or 64-bit microprocessor. You should also know that computer operating systems also have 32-bit and 64-bit variants.

So, what is a bit? To make it as simple as possible, a bit refers to the amount of data a computer can process at a computer time. This simply means a 32-bit processor can only process 32-bit “chunk” of data at a computer time, and a 64-bit processor can process a 64-bit of data at a time. So we can say that 64-bit computers are faster and more efficient than 32-bit computers because the microprocessor can swallow and digest larger chunks of data with each “bite”. The overall speed of a computer is determined by the number of “bites” it takes every second. The point is; a computer with a 32-bit processor can only run a 32-bit operating system and 32-bit software. A computer with a 64-bit processor can run both 64-bit and 32-bit operating systems and software. However, if a 64-bit computer has a 32-bit operating system installed, it can only run 32-bit software.

Another major advantage to 64-bit computer architecture is its ability to accommodate more system memory (RAM). 32-bit architecture can only allow you run about 3 GB of system memory or thereabout, anything above that is a waste of resources, but with 64-bit architectures, you can even run above 16GB of system memory (RAM). Because a 64-bit operating system can handle large amounts of memory more efficiently than a 32-bit operating system, a 64-bit system can be more responsive when running several programs at the same time and switching between them frequently. But to install a 64-bit version of Windows, you need a processor that supports 64-bit version of Windows.
To find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows in Windows, right-click Computer >> click Properties. The system properties such as Memory size and the operating system type will be displayed.

To run a 64-bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64-bit-capable processor. You can check if your processor can support 64-bit operating system using the following steps:
Press Windows button >> type “Control Panel” >> Open Control Panel, in the search box, type “Performance Information and Tools” >> in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools >> Click View and print detailed performance and system information. In the System section, you will see what type of operating system you’re currently running and many other useful information.


Source: http://naijalaptopfix.com/blog/32-bit-versus-64-bit-what-you-should-know/

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Simple explanation.... If u fail to understand this trust me no lecturer can pass you

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Educative