The term "32-bit" and 64-bit" refers to the number of bits a computer processor uses when processing data

and performing calculations. So, it can be very easily concluded that a 32 bit processor can represent numbers from 0 to 232, while 64 bit processors can represent numbers from 0 to 264 .

A processor is a primary chip inside a computer and it contains the digital circuitry. A processor executes all the programs and the instructions inside the computer. The processor is also embedded in the small devices and in the personal computers and is known as microprocessor. Its speed is measured in the Gigahertz. Higher the processors speed, the more instructions it can process in less time. It is also known as the central processing unit (CPU).

CPU
The CPU is directly inserted in the CPU socket on the motherboard. The form, design, speed and the implementations of the CPUs have changed dramatically but their basic functionalities are the same. Every CPU consists of the following two important components. Arithmetic Logic Unit It performs the logical and the arithmetic operations. Control Unit It extracts the instructions from memory and executes them.

A 32-bit processor is essentially a chip that processes data with a lane that is 32 bits wide. This means that any instructions that pass through the processor at any one time can be up to 32 bits. A 32-bit microprocessor can process data and memory addresses that are represented by 32 bits.

A 64 bit processor has a data bus that is 64 bit wide, a 64 bit processor's data bus can carry more information than that which can be done by the 32 bit processor's data bus. 64 bit processors turn out to be very useful for the scientific organizations, universities and major software development firms. They can perform calculations on a wider range of data and can give more accurate information for smaller numbers. 64-bit computer architecture provides higher performance than 32-bit architecture.

As the number of bits increases there are two important benefits. More bits means that data can be processed in larger chunks which also means more accurately. More bits means our system can address a larger number of locations in physical memory. The advanced silicon technology makes the 64 bit processor better than the 32 bit processor, with which they are manufactured.

There are 3 most obvious advantages of 64-bit processors over 32-bit processors: 1. Extended address space, 2. Capacity increase 3. Bigger number of general-purpose registers.

 A 32-bit OS will run on a 32-bit or 64-bit processor

without any problem. A 32-bit application will run on a 32-bit or 64-bit OS without any problem. But a 64-bit application will only run on a 64-bit OS and a 64-bit OS will only run on a 64-bit processor.
The main reason that 32-bit will always run on 64-bit is that the 64-bit components have been designed to work that way. So the newer 64-bit systems are backward-compatible with the 32-bit systems.

Table 1 What is compatible if I have a 32-bit CPU? Processor (CPU) Operating System (OS) Application Program 32-bit 32-bit 32-bit Yes 32-bit 32-bit 64-bit No 32-bit 64-bit 32-bit No 32-bit 64-bit 64-bit No

Table 2 What is compatible if I have a 64-bit CPU?

Processor (CPU)
Operating System (OS) Application Program

64-bit
64-bit 64-bit Yes

64-bit
64-bit 32-bit Yes

64-bit
32-bit 32-bit Yes

64-bit
32-bit 64-bit No