CNET News: What’s 64-bit Computing to Linux?

“Unlike most areas of the technology business, 64-bit computing
has somehow remained immune to the forces of commodity
competition.

“Most 64-bit systems have historically been tied to proprietary
operating systems. Compared with the more widespread x86, these
systems only powered a small percentage of corporate computing
shops and were relatively pricey. But with the introduction of its
64-bit Itanium processor line earlier this month, Intel set
powerful forces in motion.

“First, some historical context is in order…”

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