New Windows for 64-Bit Intel Chip

Microsoft Corp. and Intel Corp. have created a version of the Windows operating system that runs on the next generation of Intel microprocessors. At a conference for software developers in Orlando, Fla., Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates announced a preview version of Windows for Intel’s 64-bit “Itanium” processors. Current Pentium-class processors are 32-bit microchips, meaning that the processors--the “brains” that run personal computers--can crunch binary numbers that are 32 digits long. The Itanium chip will be able to handle strings of ones and zeros that are 64 digits long, meaning that more complex software programs can be handled far more quickly and efficiently. The 64-bit processors will be used for sophisticated mathematical models, such as those used in scientific research or very fine resolution graphics.