The 32 or 64 bit architecture refers to the memory address length that can be referenced by the processor. This also has an impact on the maximum amount of memory that can be used, that is, 4GB for a 32 bit CPU, but, in reality, the maximum accessible ram is often closer to 3.4 GB due to other hardware allocations such as graphics card memory and using 64 bit operating system, you can address much more than 4GB of memory. It also refers to the way a computer's processor, CPU, handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of RAM, random access memory, more effectively than a 32-bit system.
The main differences between the 32-bit versions of Windows 7 or Windows Vista and the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 or Windows Vista relate to memory accessibility, memory management, and enhanced security features. The security features that are available in the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Windows Vista include the following:
1. Kernel Patch Protection
2. Support for hardware-backed DEP, Data Execution Protection
3. Mandatory driver signing
4. Removal of support for 32-bit drivers
5. Removal of the 16-bit subsystem
One of the greatest advantages of using a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Windows Vista is the ability to RAM, access physical memory that is above the 4 gb range. This physical memory is not addressable by 32-bit versions of Windows OS.
Depending on the version of Windows 7 or Windows Vista that is installed, a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Windows Vista supports from 1 GB of RAM to more than 128 GB of RAM. The ability to address more physical memory lets Windows 7 or Windows Vista minimize the time that is required to swap processes in and out of physical memory. Therefore, Windows 7 or Windows Vista can manage processes more efficiently. This memory management feature helps improve the overall Windows' performance.
When you install a 64-bit version of Windows operating system, you will have the increased memory support beyond that of the 4-GB addressable memory space that is available in a 32-bit operating system, the increased program performance for programs that are written to take advantage of a 64-bit operating system, and the inhanced security features.
Most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows. But, device drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows won't work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows and also device drivers designed for the 64-bit version of Windows won't work on computers running a 32-bit version of Windows. If you want to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it will not work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows. If the program is designed for the 64-bit version of Windows, it won't work on the 32-bit version of Windows.
When you decide to move on Windows 7 or Windows Vista, you will need to decide if you are going to run a 32 bit or 64 bit version of the operating system. If your CPU is more than a few years old there is a good chance that you can only run the 32 bit version of Windows 7 or Windows Vista, however if you have a modern processor you may have to decide between each version.
It is important to note that having a 64 bit operating system doesn't automatically make all applications faster because most of today's software is written for a 32-bit operating system. So if you want to take advantage of speed improvements, you will need to have software that is designed for 64 bit operating system.
To verify that you have the platform of Windows 7 or Windows Vista is 32-bit or 64 bit, the following are the steps:
1. Start.
2. Right-click Computer.
3. Click Properties and you will see "64-bit Operating System" or "32-bit Operating System" under System.
If you have Windows XP, try the following:
1. Control Panel.
2. View System Properties.
3. Click the General tab. For a 64-bit version OS, you will see "Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year>" appears under System and for a 32-bit version OS, you will see "Windows XP Professional Version " appears under System.
