Title: Module 4 Introduction
Course: CGS 1560 Microcomputer Operating Systems > Section: Module 4 - Operating Systems and the Central Processing Units (CPUs)

There is a definite relationship between the capabilities of the different CPUs and different OSs. This relationship extends to the applications that need to be utilized as well. The CPU, commonly referred to as the processor, mainly comes with either a 32 or 64-bit instruction set.

We will take a look at several examples using Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8. In the first example, if you have a 32-bit processor you are limited to running a 32-bit OS version and applications. In the next example, if you have a 64-bit processor you can run a 32-bit OS or a 64-bit OS. If you were to select a 32-bit OS to run on a 64-bit processor you will be limited to all the restrictions of the 32-bit OS. If you select the 64 bit OS you will be able to run either 32-bit or 64-bit applications.

The Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP 64-bit OSs created a 32-bit environment to run the 32-bit applications. This often resulted in the 32-bit application running slower in that environment. There were two other problems associated with running the 64-bit version. The first problem was that most drivers were only written for 32-bit systems at that time and the 64-bit OS would not run them. Thereby severely limiting what devices could be used with those systems. Furthermore, any Kernel-mode programs that were compiled for the 32-bit system would not run either. In summary, if you want the best performance use 64-bit for everything.

You may find that the application you use only comes in a 64-bit version. For example, Adobe only makes Premiere Pro CS6, After Effects CS6, and Encore CS6 available in a 64-bit version. When applications are developed for new systems you may find that certain features are disabled for older operating systems. You need to know the relationship between a CPU, OS, and applications to select the correct one.

Instructional Goal

The purpose of this module is to learn about the relationship between the CPU and the OS.

Module Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

- Describe the basic elements of a CPU
- Discuss the different types of CPUs
- Understand the relationship between CPUs and OSs

Readings and Resources

- Textbook, Chapter 3

- Overview of the compatibility considerations for 32-bit programs on 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/896456

- Macs with Intel Processors?
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug05/articles/applenotes.htm

- Steve Jobs Knocked Intel's Chip Design, Inflexibility
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20125598-64/steve-jobs-knocked-intels-chip-design-inflexibility
- Designing the hardware
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/multicore-series-1-0223.html

- The next operating system
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/multicore-series-2-0224.html

- Retooling algorithms
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/multicore-series-3-0225.html

- No backtalk
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/multicore-series-4-0228.html

- Language barrier
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2011/multicore-series-5-0301.html