The PowerPC Architecture Specification, released in 1993, is a 64-bit specification with a 32-bit subset. Almost all PowerPCs generally available are 32-bit.

PowerPC processors have a wide range of implementations, from high-end server CPUs such as the Power4 to the embedded CPU market (the Nintendo Gamecube uses a PowerPC). PowerPC processors have a strong embedded presence because of good performance, low power consumption, and low heat dissipation. 

PowerPC architecture is an example of a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) architecture. 

The most common PPC implementation we find here at MelbWireless is [Apple] gear. [AppleMacMinimumSpecs] has some more useful information in addition to this.

The other situation we encounter is people running [LinuxPPC], which is very similar to [Apple] anyway with it of course being a unix-based system.

See also: [YellowDog]