i'm thinking about upgrading to windows vista and would like to know more about 32 and 64 bit operating systems, whats the difference and which versions of vista come in it?
2007-04-04 10:05:29 · 9 answers · asked by Slash102 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
You choose a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system based on the CPU that you are using on your system. The CPU (or Processor) determines whether the system can handle the newer 64-bit operating systems or just 32-bit versions.
It has to do with how the data is transmitted and processed by the CPU. In theory, double the number of bits means that the data gets into the CPU twice as fast, and so it can process more information in less time.
In practice, many programs and software today are not configured to make full use of the 64-bit architecture, and so you will only see a difference if using true 64-bit applications.
If you are upgrading an old PC to Windows Vista, chances are you will need the 32-bit version installed.
However if your PC is using a PowerPC chip, a RISC chip, or the newer AMD64 or Intel's IA-64 processors, you can install the 64-bit version. Be careful though, because once installed you would also need 64-bit versions of your device drivers.
2007-04-04 10:22:24 · answer #1 · answered by SteveN 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've included the Microsoft FAQ on your question.
Unless you are sure, you probably should stick to the 32-bit version. Though in a perfect world, if you have a brand new computer, then there is a good chance of having a 64 bit microchip and technically a 64 bit operating system will run faster then with a 32 bit operating system.
Netherless, there is a lack of software support for the 64 bit version. You might not be able to get some hardware to work and older 16 bit software will not work at all. So my recommendation is to stick to 32 bit at this time or if you are currently using XP, stick to that until you buy a new computer. It is easier to go to another operating system with it already preloaded.
If upgrading take a look at the second link to vista upgrade advisor which will tell you if your computer can be upgraded and to what version.
2007-04-04 10:21:56 · answer #2 · answered by signingtoday 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
32
2007-04-04 10:07:00 · answer #3 · answered by vtownlauren 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main difference is in core protection or kernel for 64-bit, with better security otherwise the standard 32- bit is just fine.
2007-04-04 10:07:59 · answer #4 · answered by Saiera 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
vista is coming in 32 bit version.
2007-04-04 10:08:09 · answer #5 · answered by Sam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
32 bits
2007-04-04 10:07:45 · answer #6 · answered by Ted 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
64 IS TWICE AS MUCH AS 32.
2007-04-04 10:08:00 · answer #7 · answered by dtwladyhawk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they basically differ in how much memory can be accessed. this site below gives a basic but good idea.
2007-04-04 10:14:15 · answer #8 · answered by madhavankkutty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2x the bits.
2007-04-04 10:08:02 · answer #9 · answered by Terri R 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋