can software designed for 32-bit processors be compatable with a 64-bit processor?
2006-08-09 09:10:17 · 7 answers · asked by compy_500 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Yes, 32 bit software can run on a 64 bit processor, but not the other way around.
2006-08-09 09:19:04 · answer #1 · answered by Grasshopper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the popular processors like AMD 64 and Intel EMT64 support 32bit softwares. Its not the other way around unfortunately where 32 bit processors do not support 64 bit softwares. I'm not as familiar on how Linux handles this but Microsoft's XP x64 supports 32 bit emulation so you can use programs that were made in 32 bit under windows. Be aware you cannot use 32 bit device drivers for like your sound card or video, those have to be 64 bit
2006-08-16 05:20:15 · answer #2 · answered by Elliot K 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes u can use 32 bit OS on 64 bit Processor but u cannot take advantage of its capabilities and u cant run the programs with 64 bit support on 32 bit OS. It will reduce the performance of the PC
2006-08-16 16:37:46 · answer #3 · answered by KD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most is compatible. Some isnt. The thing you have to watch out for is 32 bit software that uses a 16bit installer program. If the installer is 16 bit you cannot install it to x64 as it cannot run 16bit.
2006-08-11 08:55:13 · answer #4 · answered by ghowriter 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an Athlon 64 3200+. It's 64bit. I'm using Windows XP tough so I can't use 64bit applications even though my processor supports them.
2006-08-09 10:43:15 · answer #5 · answered by The Answer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so far, it can but it wouldn't be much effetive as a 64 but program
2006-08-14 23:04:57 · answer #6 · answered by tommy_hil01 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ofcourse, but not the other way round
2006-08-14 22:32:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋