XP professional gets 64-bit version

Munich (dpa) – Microsoft is now offering its Windows XP Professional operating system in a version for 64-bit processors.

The so-called x64 Windows is offered at the same prices as the traditional 32-bit variant, the software giant reports. The new system increases the power of desktop applications such as those used to create digital content for videos, the firm claims. x64 Windows offers 32 times more physical memory and more than 1000 time more virtual memory.

The 64-bit system can also still run older applications. There has, in fact, to this point been little software that is programmed to run natively at 64 bits.

This will change in the coming months, Microsoft reports. More than 400 applications are slated to hit the market. Hardware for x64 is offered by AMD, Dell, Fujitsu Siemens Computers and Intel, among others. Microsoft is also offered a 64-bit version of its Server Software 2003.