architecture A term describing a computer architecture based
64-bit processors are quite common in 1996, e.g.
DigitalA 64-bit
address bus allows the processor to address 18
million
gigabytes as opposed to the mere 4 gigabytes allowed
with 32 bits. There are in 1996 already
hard disks which
can hold over 4GB. Floating point calculations can also be
more accurate.
A 64-bit
OS is needed as well to take advantage of the CPU.
In 1986 there are only a few 64-bit operating systems,
32-bit OS can run on a 64-bit CPU.
(1996-12-23)