"32-bit" refers to a type of computer architecture that uses 32 bits to represent data and memory addresses. This means that the system can process 32 bits of information at a time, allowing for a maximum of 4 gigabytes of RAM. It is commonly used in older computers and software applications. In a 32-bit system, the CPU can handle 32-bit integers and floating-point numbers, which affects the performance and capabilities of the software. Many operating systems, such as Windows and Linux, have both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, with the latter allowing for more memory and improved performance.