Operating Systems Architecture and CPUs

32-bit vs 64-bit Architectures

• 32-bit Processors
  • Can access up to 2^32 values (~4 billion).
  • Access a maximum of 4 GB of memory.
• 64-bit Processors
  • Can access up to 2^64 values (exponentially larger).
  • Theoretically can access 17 billion GB of memory.
  • Actual accessible memory may be limited by the operating system.
• Checking System Type
  • On Windows, find system type in Control Panel under System settings.

Software and Drivers Compatibility

• Drivers
  • 32-bit OS requires 32-bit drivers.
  • 64-bit OS requires 64-bit drivers.
• Software
  • 32-bit (x86) software can't run on 64-bit OS.
  • 64-bit (x64) software can run on 64-bit OS.
  • 64-bit OS can run both 32-bit and 64-bit applications.
  • Installation folders:
    • 32-bit apps: Program Files (x86)
    • 64-bit apps: Program Files

ARM Architecture

• Developed by ARM Limited.
• Known for efficiency, low power consumption, reduced heat.
• Commonly used in mobile devices and IoT.
• Expanding capabilities are blurring lines with traditional 64-bit OS.

CPU Components and Functionality

• Cores
  • CPUs have multiple cores (dual-core, quad-core, multi-core).
  • More cores improve processing power.
• Caches
  • May be dedicated per core or shared across cores.
  • Enhance processing speed.
• Integrated Components
  • Memory controllers and graphics processors can be included on the CPU chip.

Hyper-Threading Technology (HTT)

• Makes single CPU cores appear as multiple logical cores.
• Increases process throughput by 15-30%.
• Requires both CPU and OS support.

Virtualization

• Enables running multiple OS on a single hardware platform.
• More efficient with hardware support.
• Intel: Check for Intel VT in BIOS.
• AMD: Check for AMD-V in BIOS.
• Virtualization software might require enabling these features.