razorsedge
August 31st, 2010, 08:45 PM
What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating system? The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer’s processor or CPU, handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory or RAM, more effectively than a 32-bit system.
bits bytes Difference between 32 bit and 64 bit Windows
To find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows; in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, do the following:
* Open System by clicking the Start button , right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties.
* Under System, you can view the system type.
The benefits of using a 64-bit operating system are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more. while the maximum RAM limit for 32-bit Windows 7 editions is 4GB, when it comes to the 64-bit editions, the amount of memory that the OS can address could be upto 192 GB! More on that here.
To find out if your processor is 64-bit-capable in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, do the following:
Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.
* In Windows 7, click View and print detailed performance and system information.
* In Windows Vista, click View and print details.
In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you’re currently running under System type, and whether or not you can run a 64-bit version of Windows under 64-bit capable. If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won’t see the 64-bit capable listing.
Most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs. However If the program is specifically designed for the 64-bit version of Windows, it won’t work on the 32-bit version of Windows.
The main differences between the 32-bit versions of Windows 7 and the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 (or 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 or Vista include the following:
* Kernel Patch Protection
* Support for hardware-backed Data Execution Protection (DEP)
* Mandatory driver signing
* Removal of support for 32-bit drivers
* Removal of the 16-bit subsystem
Advantages when you install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Vista
* Increased memory support beyond that of the 4-GB addressable memory space that is available in a 32-bit operating system
* Increased program performance for programs that are written to take advantage of a 64-bit operating system
* Enhanced security features
Disadvantages you may want to consider before you install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Vista
* 64-bit device drivers may not be available for one or more devices in the computer.
* Device drivers must be digitally signed.
* 32-bit device drivers are not supported.
* 32-bit programs may not be fully compatible with a 64-bit operating system.
* It may be difficult to locate programs that are written specifically for a 64-bit operating system.
* Not all hardware devices may be compatible with a 64-bit version of Windows.
Sourced from: Microsoft.
bits bytes Difference between 32 bit and 64 bit Windows
To find out if your computer is running a 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows; in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, do the following:
* Open System by clicking the Start button , right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties.
* Under System, you can view the system type.
The benefits of using a 64-bit operating system are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more. while the maximum RAM limit for 32-bit Windows 7 editions is 4GB, when it comes to the 64-bit editions, the amount of memory that the OS can address could be upto 192 GB! More on that here.
To find out if your processor is 64-bit-capable in Windows 7 or Windows Vista, do the following:
Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.
* In Windows 7, click View and print detailed performance and system information.
* In Windows Vista, click View and print details.
In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you’re currently running under System type, and whether or not you can run a 64-bit version of Windows under 64-bit capable. If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won’t see the 64-bit capable listing.
Most programs designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will work on the 64-bit version of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs. However If the program is specifically designed for the 64-bit version of Windows, it won’t work on the 32-bit version of Windows.
The main differences between the 32-bit versions of Windows 7 and the 64-bit versions of Windows 7 (or 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 or Vista include the following:
* Kernel Patch Protection
* Support for hardware-backed Data Execution Protection (DEP)
* Mandatory driver signing
* Removal of support for 32-bit drivers
* Removal of the 16-bit subsystem
Advantages when you install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Vista
* Increased memory support beyond that of the 4-GB addressable memory space that is available in a 32-bit operating system
* Increased program performance for programs that are written to take advantage of a 64-bit operating system
* Enhanced security features
Disadvantages you may want to consider before you install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or Vista
* 64-bit device drivers may not be available for one or more devices in the computer.
* Device drivers must be digitally signed.
* 32-bit device drivers are not supported.
* 32-bit programs may not be fully compatible with a 64-bit operating system.
* It may be difficult to locate programs that are written specifically for a 64-bit operating system.
* Not all hardware devices may be compatible with a 64-bit version of Windows.
Sourced from: Microsoft.