what are 32 and 64-bits in computers and what difference do they make?

Question

Does it make the computer faster? And how are they different from 8 and 16-bit video game consoles?

In: 2446

Answer 1

Let’s say you want a savings account at the bank. There are two options:

The 32 bit option let’s you have 4 digits for your balance. The most money you can have is $99.99. If you deposit $100, the extra penny is lost.

The 64 bit option let’s you have 8 digits for your balance. The most money you can have is $999,999.99. If you deposit $1,000,000, the extra penny is lost.

64 bits let’s you store more accurate numbers than 32 bits.

There’s way more to it then that, but that’s the ELI5 explanation.