What Does X86 Mean on XP Pro?
The Microsoft Windows XP operating system is available in five editions: Home Edition, Professional, Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition and Professional x64 Edition. Four of the editions run on 32-bit hardware, and one runs on 64-bit hardware. The term x86 refers to the 32-bit editions and, in this context, contrasts with x64. Therefore, Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 is a 64-bit edition, and Microsoft Windows XP Professional is a 32-bit edition.
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Origins
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The term x86 originates in the processor naming system that Intel used when first introducing processors for Windows computers. The first set of processors made available to consumers under the x86 scheme were in families such as 286, 386 and 486. However, Intel discontinued that naming system when the company introduced processor families such as Pentium processors. Today, the term no longer carries the original meaning, and instead refers to the underlying architecture of processors as either 32-bit or 64-bit, and to the software designed for the respective types of hardware.
32-Bit and 64-Bit
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The term x86, as it is used in reference to Microsoft operating systems, distinguishes between those designed for 32-bit hardware and those designed for 64-bit hardware. Although the term x86 is not part of the official product name of any Microsoft operating system, the contrasting term x64 is part of the official name of products such as Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64.
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Performance
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The x64 version of Windows XP provides better performance than the x86, or 32-bit, versions of Windows XP in certain cases. This is because the x64 version can access more powerful 64-bit processors that x86 versions cannot access, but also because x64 versions can make use of larger amounts of system memory. While x86 versions of Windows XP can recognize and make use of a maximum of 4GB of system memory, the x64 version can exceed the 4GB limit and can recognize up to 8GB of system memory when the hardware on which it is running is configured accordingly.
Compatibility
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Software designed to run on Microsoft Windows XP is generally designed for x86 versions. The 64-bit x64 version of XP is backwards compatible, and can successfully run most 32-bit software. However, certain kinds of software, such as printer drivers, must be designed exclusively for either x86 or x64 versions and cannot be designed for both.
Future
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Because 64-bit processors can offer better performance in many cases, future versions of operating systems and future iterations of hardware can be both more powerful and more stable on 64-bit platforms. Over time, 32-bit systems may become obsolete.
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