So, if you're interested in understanding more about the rapidly evolving 64-bit computing scene, go check it out.

The issue for Intel is its strategy for moving to 64-bit computing.

The question of why we need 64-bit computing is often asked but rarely answered in a satisfactory manner.

Barcelona has some tradeoffs that are intended for 64-bit computing.

Now that we know what 64-bit computing is, let's take a look at the benefits of increased integer and data sizes.

Now, what I just told you above was the simple answer to the question, What is 64-bit computing?

"We now believe we can lead the transition to 64-bit computing in a way that is easier and less expensive than our competitor."

Those moves have increased the pressure on Intel to make the shift and to endorse 64-bit computing that is compatible with its 32-bit designs.

From the software perspective, 64-bit computing means the use of code with 64-bit virtual memory addresses.

(Although some these platforms implement 64-bit computing, the operating system treated them as 32-bit.)

Photoshop CS4 supported 64-bit computing, but only on Windows.

Many industry executives and analysts say Advanced Micro's evolutionary path to 64-bit computing is more appealing.

(Check page 2 of that preview for details on the advantages of 64-bit computing.)

But beyond the predictable costs and performance benefits, if 64-bit computing follows the PC's historical patterns, this migration may bring a surprise or two.

Intel's smaller rival, AMD, has taken a more evolutionary technical path to 64-bit computing.

By making high-end 64-bit computing both affordable and easily accessible to software developers, the Hammer appears to be situated squarely in this trend.

In collaboration with Hewlett-Packard, Intel developed Itanium, which represents a new and complex approach to 64-bit computing.

"Our goal is to make Alpha the pre-eminent 64-bit computing architecture in the industry," said Peter Graham, the business manager of the Alpha project.

And note also that the general discussions of 64-bit computing that make up the first half of the article are applicable to 64-bit platforms, not just x86-64.

In computer architecture, 64-bit computing is the use of processors that have datapath widths, integer size, and memory addresses of 64 bits (eight octets) wide.

However, the trend has since moved towards 64-bit computing, particularly as memory prices dropped and the use of more than 4 GB of RAM increased.

Apple Computer has already begun offering 64-bit computing for certain applications and on Tuesday Microsoft's executives said that game developers were particularly interested in 64-bit processors.

Bill Gates gave a keynote speech on various topics including Windows "Longhorn" (known later as Windows Vista) and 64-bit computing.

Intel had been trying to lock A.M.D. out of the 64-bit computing market by betting on its 64-bit Itanium chip for corporate computing applications.

Bill Gates keynote; demonstrated "Athens" PC concept, discussed 64-bit computing, uptake of Windows XP.