BILL GATES last night moved to steal a march on Apple as he outlined how the next version of Microsoft’s Windows system will make PCs more powerful, reliable and secure.

His announcement comes just four days ahead of the launch of Apple’s latest update, called Tiger, of its operating software. Apple claims its software is more reliable and more frequently updated than its PC equivalent.

Mr Gates confirmed that the new version of Windows, codenamed Longhorn, would use a 64-bit processor, compared with the current 32-bit standard.

“This is a time of profound change in our industry,” he said. “The move from 32-bit to 64-bit computing offers a dramatic improvement in performance and reliability.”

The faster speed will prompt the widespread roll-out of chips and hardware to support the higher speed.

Mr Gates said the new standard would also be more effective at blocking viruses.

Longhorn will be launched in full next year, but a 64-bit update to Windows XP, the current edition, is being made available to aid software developers in the meantime.

Separately, Microsoft said it had appointed Chris Liddell, of International Paper, as its new chief financial officer.