also @ TechSpot: 'Supercapacitor' could fully charge your phone in less than 30 seconds

› ›

64-Bit Windows XP Released

By Derek Sooman

On March 31, 2005, 8:05 AM

Microsoft has released Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Datacenter x64 Edition, and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. Yes, it’s the day of 64-bit. For some time now, 64-bit Athlon and Opteron microprocessors have been running on 32-bit Windows, or betas of the 64-bit version. Now, the stable versions have been released to manufacturing.

"Microsoft believes this is the right time to provide this flexible new OS to customers and, with broad industry partnerships, help usher in a new era of computing. Partners are embracing 64-bit computing in a meaningful way and the availability of x64 will serve as a catalyst in the market to bring benefits to the mainstream. More than 300 partners from every segment of the industry have demonstrated support for Microsoft‘s x64 platform on both the desktop and the server."

With Microsoft already keen on the Opteron, and using it inhouse, it was not going to be long before we got a fully fledged 64-bit Windows OS.

Both Intel and AMD believe that 64-32 processors are the way to go, although Chipzilla was slow to convert to the idea. It has accomplished its volte face by putting its Itanium processor into a niche and hopes that it will topple RISC chips from the enterprise space.

The new capabilities of 64-bit processing are to be used well if promises from Microsoft are to be believed. Microsoft certainly expects 64-bit to become almost instantly popular now.

Microsoft advertises the 64-bit Windows platform as increased scalability and reliability, faster processing, the ability to handle larger amounts of data more efficiently, more security, and better manageability. Microsoft expects workstation users that run into 32-bit-lints today and enthusiasts to be first to make the switch to Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. In a recent conversation with Tom's Hardware Guide, the company said that it expects shipments in the "millions" within the first 12 months after introduction.

No tags on this story

3 comments

User Comments: 3

Got something to say? Post a comment
  1. March 31, 2005 10:37 AM
    Soul Harvester said:
    I seem to recall some people in the cpu forum saying that this wouldn't be out for months, even years As much as I dislike Windows, I see this as a good thing!
    Reply
  2. March 31, 2005 11:57 AM
    RedRooster said:
    I'm still wondering if it's worth it or not. I never really like XP to start with, so leaving 2K to go with Xp64 isn't really appealing to me.
    Reply
  3. April 1, 2005 8:21 AM
    ---agissi--- said:
    then maybe you'll like the beta win64 RedRooster, its all torn down like 2k
    Reply

Recently commented stories

Post a new comment

Social Login & Guest Posting TechSpot Members
Login here or sign up for free,
it takes about a minute.
Get complete access to the TechSpot community. Join thousands of technology enthusiasts that contribute and share knowledge in our forum. Get a private inbox, upload your own photo gallery and more.
TechSpot on:

Most Popular

Trending Featured
More Trending Topics

Featured on Routers

Downloads and Drivers

Downloads   Drivers  

IObit Malware Fighter 2.0

Instantbird 1.4

BitTorrent Sync 1.0.134

Spybot - Search & Destroy 2.1.19

Google Chrome for Windows 27.0.1453.93

More Downloads

Latest Discussion

Modems - Routers 5 replies on Storage and Networking

Graphics Card Question 7 replies on Audio and Video

Unsure if my new graphics card will work with my PC 9 replies on Audio and Video

Need help with upgrading 8 replies on Processors and Motherboards

USB drive or flash problems? How to cleanup and remove old USB storage drivers 60 replies on Guides and Tutorials

More Recent Discussion

Subscribe to TechSpot

Get free exclusive content, learn about new features and breaking tech news.