What's the difference between a 32-bit operating system and a 64-bit?

Answer 1

I've got two types of answers for that, actually.

1: Scientific
32 bit systems are slower at processing data than 64 bit systems, since they "think" more slowly.

2: Practical
There is software written for every single thing you can purchase (hardware, software, peripherals, et cetera) for 32 bit systems. If you use a 64 bit system, you might not find software written for everything you own.

Personal Example #1:
I've got two desktops. One's really fast and super slick (64bit fella) and the other is (ehh) Average (32bit dude). My 64 bit one can't run the newest version of iTunes, since it is not written with a 64 bit system in mind. I have to use 4.7.1 for iTunes to work. This means: no podcasts,and no transferring from iPod to 'puter and back. My slow 32 bit system does it fine.

Personal Example #2:
My speedy gonzales (no offense to Michael Richards and family) 64 bit system, which, by the way, runs Windows x64, also connect to my phone (Motorola RAZR V3), though my 32 bit one (which runs XP Home) can.

Personal 64-bit Affirmation:
64 bit system dude, however, runs Half-Life 2 and other games like . . . WOW! It runs 3D Studio Max like WHIZ! BANG! BOFFO!

Equalizing Note:
My 32 bit system burns both CDs and DVDs. My 64 bit system (which has an Atlhon 64x2 Processor, by the way), will only burn DVDs even though it's got a drive that did both before the OS upgrade . . .

Summary:
If you make a choice, you have to figure out what you want to do, gaming, applications, connectivity, or all three. I like my 64-bit system better, and don't mind the hassle of connecting my phone and iPod to the other 'puter and simply sharing its desktop with the fast fella.

Addendum:
Either that, or simply stick to 32-bits until someone tells you that the world has made the great switch form 32 to 64 bits.

Until then, between you and I (and the rest of Y!) I'm keeping both desktops healthy!!!

Take Care, and Happy Computing!!!

Answer 2

32 bit processors process 32 bits of information on each cycle thus making what's called a 32 bit word or byte.

In 64 bit this is obviously increased to 64 bits per byte. This allows for more bits in the word to address things like larger memory capacities etc. A single byte can now be an address in a huge amount of RAM.

This is one small simplistic example.

Answer 3

32- Bit as the name says, operates with 32-bit instruction for each machine cycle. All instructions are fed into the microprocessor at 32-bit instruction per cycle.

64-bit operating system will have each machine cycle running on 64-bit instruction. The 64-bit instruction operating system will not work in a 32-bit microprocessor because the instruction set will not be understood by the user.....

Answer 4

Assuming you don't care about the technicalities (it is fairly technical!) the basics are you need a 64 bit processor to run 64 bit software (including the operating system).

If you have the correct hardware (processor) then 64 bit is faster.

Answer 5

Older CPUs would only process 32 bits of information per command/cpu cycle.
The newer CPus will process 32 OR 64 bits per command/cycle.
If the software was written for an older machine, it might work on a newer system.
If the software was written only for a 64 bit system, it won't run on an older CPU.

Answer 6

Instead of sending 32bits of information,
10101010101010101010101010101010
It sends 64bits
10101010101010101010101010101010 10101010101010101010101010101010
So more information can be sent in one clock pulse, but it will take longer to send!

Answer 7

. . . 32 bits.

Answer 8

Check this link... hope it answers your question...

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-versus-Windows-or-32-bit-versus-64bit-1349.shtml

I already checked it... no virus bro....