What is native 64bit software?
Native in the computing world is a term used to describe true compatibility. When something is native as in this case software, it means it’s meant to work completely in a specific environment without any compatibility patching. So native 64-bit software means it will work only if it’s installed on 64-bit operating system version. When going with a custom software development for your business or company, it is important you understand the benefits and drawbacks of native 64-bit software.
64-bit vs 32-bit Basics
In computer world, 64-bit and 32-bit refer to the type of central processing unit or CPU, operating system and drivers/applications. You have probable seen the option to download as piece of software as a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version. While the software is essentially the same, the major difference lies in the face that two are programmed for different systems.
32-bit systems utilize data in 32-pieces while 64-bit systems utilize data in 64-pieces. This means data can be processed at more faster rate with 64-bit systems giving increasing performance of the application. In addition, 64-bit systems come with ability to use significantly use greater amounts of physical memory.
Most new processors today are based on 64-bit architecture and support 64-bit operating systems. Yet operating systems and software are still come in 32-bit versions. All 64-bit processors can support 32-bit OS and applications though it is not true of the opposite. A 32-bit processor cannot run a 64-bit operating system and also a 32-bit operating system cannot run a 64-bit application.
However, remember that 32-bit versions of programs can run just fine on a 64-bit operating system. You don’t necessarily need 64-bit applications just because you are using a 64-bit operating system.
Understanding the importance of native 64-bit software
The benefits of 64-bit hardware can be fully obtained only if you use native 64-bit software that is designed to use all features of the 64-bit hardware. You would need a whole 64-bit environment consisting of both hardware and software components to get optimum benefits, though conversion to 64-bit hardware can alone improve the performance somewhat.
The primary benefit of using native 64-bit software application on 64-bit operating system is its ability to allocate and use more memory and speed. A 32-bit software version can only address/use at most only 2GB of system memory though it may have as high as 16GB RAM installed. A native 64-bit application, on the other hand, can access/allocate at least 8TB (terabytes) of memory.
How do you know if a program is natively 64-bit?
The native 64-bit version of software is usually labeled as x64 version though rarely it is also mentioned as x86-64 version.
If any software doesn’t mention about being 64-bit, it is almost guaranteed to be 32-bit software. Most software is 32-bit, though it isn’t always explicitly mentioned. Also 32-bit software can run as well enough on both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
Summary
While most of the processors today we buy are 64-bit, the software still continues to come as 32-bit. The software migration to native 64-bit has been happening though somewhat slowly lately over the past few years. Digital content creation, CAD/CAM, software development and visualization and gaming industry are some of the markets that have embraced the 64-bit with open arms.
If your software only supports 32-bit operating systems, you are constraining the ability of your software. We are a custom software development company that provides you with complete solution to build high quality software as per your requirements.
Native in the computing world is a term used to describe true compatibility. When something is native as in this case software, it means it’s meant to work completely in a specific environment without any compatibility patching. So native 64-bit software means it will work only if it’s installed on 64-bit operating system version. When going with a custom software development for your business or company, it is important you understand the benefits and drawbacks of native 64-bit software.
64-bit vs 32-bit Basics
In computer world, 64-bit and 32-bit refer to the type of central processing unit or CPU, operating system and drivers/applications. You have probable seen the option to download as piece of software as a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version. While the software is essentially the same, the major difference lies in the face that two are programmed for different systems.
32-bit systems utilize data in 32-pieces while 64-bit systems utilize data in 64-pieces. This means data can be processed at more faster rate with 64-bit systems giving increasing performance of the application. In addition, 64-bit systems come with ability to use significantly use greater amounts of physical memory.
Most new processors today are based on 64-bit architecture and support 64-bit operating systems. Yet operating systems and software are still come in 32-bit versions. All 64-bit processors can support 32-bit OS and applications though it is not true of the opposite. A 32-bit processor cannot run a 64-bit operating system and also a 32-bit operating system cannot run a 64-bit application.
However, remember that 32-bit versions of programs can run just fine on a 64-bit operating system. You don’t necessarily need 64-bit applications just because you are using a 64-bit operating system.
Understanding the importance of native 64-bit software
The benefits of 64-bit hardware can be fully obtained only if you use native 64-bit software that is designed to use all features of the 64-bit hardware. You would need a whole 64-bit environment consisting of both hardware and software components to get optimum benefits, though conversion to 64-bit hardware can alone improve the performance somewhat.
The primary benefit of using native 64-bit software application on 64-bit operating system is its ability to allocate and use more memory and speed. A 32-bit software version can only address/use at most only 2GB of system memory though it may have as high as 16GB RAM installed. A native 64-bit application, on the other hand, can access/allocate at least 8TB (terabytes) of memory.
How do you know if a program is natively 64-bit?
The native 64-bit version of software is usually labeled as x64 version though rarely it is also mentioned as x86-64 version.
If any software doesn’t mention about being 64-bit, it is almost guaranteed to be 32-bit software. Most software is 32-bit, though it isn’t always explicitly mentioned. Also 32-bit software can run as well enough on both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems.
Summary
While most of the processors today we buy are 64-bit, the software still continues to come as 32-bit. The software migration to native 64-bit has been happening though somewhat slowly lately over the past few years. Digital content creation, CAD/CAM, software development and visualization and gaming industry are some of the markets that have embraced the 64-bit with open arms.
If your software only supports 32-bit operating systems, you are constraining the ability of your software. We are a custom software development company that provides you with complete solution to build high quality software as per your requirements.
