64 bit or x84

Bare Foot Kid said:

x86-(32-bit)
x86-(64-bit)

There's actually no such thing as x64 though even MS refers to/writes it incorrectly.

You are correct, but the x64 naming convention was created by Microsoft as a shorter, simple way of differentiating between the two. IA64 isn't really all that common anymore (dying a slow death, it seems) and was never known or common the general, non IT audience.

Lemur said:

You have a 64-bit processor running a 32-bit operating system. No harm. You always can purchase a 64-bit operating system later on. Note - you cannot upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit operating system. It has to be a new full install.

If its windows 7 you can use the same product code to install the 32 bit or 64 bit version, so all you need to switch is the install media. If you buy retail you get both DVDs. If you go OEM you only get one, 32 bit or 64 bit. You can still switch from 32 to 64 or vice versa you just need to hunt up the other DVD some where. Assuming you have a 64 bit processor.

nithig said:

Thanks Miked ... you did understand the question
It's just me (and no doubt lots of others like me) who are slow with
the jargon. It's just a fact of modern, electronic life that new things
are rarely explained ...one has to find out for oneself.
Now there's one more bit that I do understand.

No Tews, Win 7 is istalled as 64-bit

I think it's 64 bit guys.

It has to be a new full install.

It was a total,new install and 64 bit ws selected.
Programs like IE have x64 and the updates are x64
so I guess it's a 64 bit system
___________________

Thanks barefootkid for the tutorial - really enjoying the tutorial herein.

Also thanks to Keiichi25 and Deacon Frost 7 alphanumeric ...
DF you are clearly a technical minded person so I kindly point out to you
that to us bogons it is jargon and it is rarely explained untill we ask and
get help from friends as has happened in this case.

nithig said:

It has to be a new full install.

It was a total,new install and 64 bit ws selected.
Programs like IE have x64 and the updates are x64
so I guess it's a 64 bit system
___________________

Thanks barefootkid for the tutorial - really enjoying the tutorial herein.

Also thanks to Keiichi25 and Deacon Frost 7 alphanumeric ...
DF you are clearly a technical minded person so I kindly point out to you
that to us bogons it is jargon and it is rarely explained untill we ask and
get help from friends as has happened in this case.

Best way to find out is to ask, now you know.

alphanumeric said:

I believe the x86 came from the fact that Intel numbered thier line of processors 8086, 80186, 80286, 386, 486, 586 (pentium) etc, so it ended up being referred to as the x86 instruction set. The early chips are 16 bit and the 386 and up are 32 bit. At some point people just dropped the 80 and would say I have a 386 or 486 etc.

Bingo you get a cookie! Mmmm Cookie arrrggammdihfg.
It was more than a numbering system though. The term x86 refers to a family of instruction sets.