What does x64 mean?

[UnWarierMage224]

Looking to satisfy my curiosity, being a newbie to the more technical aspects of computers.

What's it mean when they say an "x64 version of Windows?"
My college gave me both the "Standard" Windows XP Pro
and also an "x64" version. I went and installed the "standard" version, but I'd just like to know what the term "x64" means, what the x64 version does, etc, etc?

Thanks in advance,

-'Mage

 

[DonNagual]

You installed the correct version.

The x64 version is a 64bit version, and it is the way of the future. However, there is still a lot of hardware not supported in 64bit environments, as well as software.

Some reading for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows_XP_Professional_X64_Edition

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

x64 basically adds support for 64-bit systems with 64-bit processors. It basically increases the headroom available for RAM recognition by the OS. As an example, Windows XP Professional (the non-x64 edition) recognizes only a maximum of 3.5GB of RAM. The most stable x64 OS is Linux however, Win XP x64 having more problems that it's worth.

 

[UnWarierMage224]

Makes sense...*lightbulb!*

So THAT's why a lot of servers use Linux!
Because under Linux, IIRC, you can have up to 1 TB of RAM, depending on your server case?

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Yes that's exactly why.