whats the difference between 64bit and 32bit software? (vistas)?

Question

It seems my pc supports it but the 64 type is more expensive. Does the 64 bit do any better? or is it just color?

sorry I do have all 64 bit stuff. just want to know what is the difference. 64 what???!???

Answer 1

There are two types of processors available for computers - 32 bit processor and 64 bit processor.

Odds are you have a 32 bit processor, therefore you need the 32 bit Vista.

To take advantage of a 64 bit processor you need an operating system capable of making use of it's extended address capability.

Intel Xeon is an example of a 64 bit processor.

Answer 2

anything "dual" processor is 2x32 bit processors

it's just 2 cpu's sandwiched together to make one faster one.

my amd is x2 and 64 bit... but i use 32 xp and 32 bit premium vista

64 bit is for more higher end, so I wouldn't worry so much as games etc will be written in 32 bit code for a while yet.

the drivers are far easier to get for the 32 bit version of vista.

64 bit users would gain if say u were editing video/doing music, anything processor intensive.

but companies have released updates for xp etc, like amd cpu optimiser, which speeds things up a lot.

64 bit O/S is more for business user or high end users.

although the version of suse linux i use is 64 bit, I went for it simply because its free anyway

as for 32/64 bit version i think they should have made a unified version to be honest. just put different kernals on the same disc..

but although its 32bit OS it will know ur running a 64 bit CPU

Answer 3

Wow, lots of bad information here.
The reason folks are pushing 64bit right now is two fold.

1. High end servers (email, web, database) have pushed needs beyond the 32bit memory limit (4gb). By default 32bit software cannot address memory beyond 4gb (or an unsigned long int for programming folks). Now there are some hacks to allow it that can be found in the enterprise versions of Windows Server 2003, and Intel has incorporated those hacks into some of their Xeon processors, but they are a stop gap solution. That is the need and intended purpose of 64bit software and processors. To address more memory than 32bit hardware and software can by default.

End of part 1, if you need to use and address more than 4GB of ram you will benefit from the 64bit hardware and software. If you dont, you wont benefit from it.

2. Its cheaper to make one type of chip and software. Intel makes lots of chips. Most of the consumer and business PC lines though use the same basic core with different features. For them to produce 32bit chips and 64bit chips cost more than just producing 64bit chips. They need to make the 64bit chips for the high end server lines (AKA big money area). If they can get their consumer lines onto 64bit it benefits Intel by not needing to produce two different cores.

Long short of it, if you use lots of HEAVILY memory intensive applications, and plan on using beyond 4GB of ram, you will benefit from 64 bit hardware and software. If you don't, then 64bit wont hurt you and you will end up transitioning to it at some point anyways.

Answer 4

According to the experts in computing mags, 64 bit technology is faster for all types of downloads, and your system is supposed to work faster, because 2x the info is transmitted by this mode of software. If this is true - as I firmly believe it is, then it will be of benefit to you to use 64bit - instead of 32bit. Hope this is of some help.

Answer 5

merely approximately all computers bought at the instant are sixty 4 bit in a position, and a few have been out for countless years. It relies upon on the processor sort. sixty 4 bit computing is quicker and can artwork with quantities of RAM over 4 GB. All quads are sixty 4 bit in a position, all extra moderen twin cores, or perhaps the older Athlon sixty 4 single cores are, in a popular experience needless to say yet because of the fact that there arent quite some sixty 4 bit apps obtainable as of yet, this is incredibly a toss up at this element, because of the fact which you will no longer see any great substitute at the same time as working 32 bit or decrease purposes. correct click on your "My computing gadget" icon and scroll all the way down to properties. it is going to inform you if your OS is 32 or sixty 4 bit

Answer 6

its like you have 32 entrances to your house or 64 entrances to your house more doors quicker to get lots of people in and out

bits is pieces of information travelling through your system in split second obviously 64 faster than 32

beware though 32bit vista better compatability than 64 bit vista

Answer 7

64 is twice as many as 32