Re: 32 bit processors / 64 bit processors

On Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 8:32 AM, Rick Brown <[email protected]> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Firstly, I'm trying to understand what exactly characterizes a
> procesor or an operating system as 32bit / 64 bit. I've read that it
> means the "native word size" of a machine. But what exactly is that?
> Register size? Address bus size? Anything else?
>
>
When they say its 32/64 bit machine its the capability of the system or
processor to process so many bits at once !



> Secondly, I'm trying to understand what exactly does a sizeof(int)
> depend on when we say it is "platform specific". Is it dependent of
> compiler being 32bit / 64 bit? Or the OS being 32bit / 64 bit? Or the
> processor being 32 / 64 bit?
>
> its dependent on processor being 32/64 bit

Lastly, How are "sizes" of compiler / OS / processor inter related?
> Here is my understanding. A 32 bit processor can only be running a 32
> bit OS.


No ... 32 bit OS can run anything <= 32 bit


> A 64 bit processor may run a 32 or a 64 bit OS.


yes thats right !


> A 32 bit
> compiler genrates code only to be run on a 32 bit OS; ditto for 64
> bit.


Not sure about this let others have their say !

> Is this right?
>
>
Please correct me if i am wrong !

> TIA,
>
> Rick
>
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-- 
Regards,
~Sid~
I have never met a man so ignorant that i couldn't learn something from him