A "64-bit counterpart" refers to a version of software or hardware that operates using a 64-bit architecture. This architecture allows for more memory addressability, enabling systems to utilize more than 4 GB of RAM, which is the limit for 32-bit systems. As a result, 64-bit counterparts can handle larger data sets and run more complex applications efficiently. In computing, many operating systems, such as Windows and Linux, offer both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The 64-bit counterparts of these systems are designed to take full advantage of modern processors, like Intel and AMD chips, which support 64-bit processing, leading to improved performance and multitasking capabilities.