64 versus 32 bit computing

There is a lot of buzz right now about 64 bit computers. You may ask yourself, what’s the difference if I get Vista 64 bit instead of Windows Vista? The difference lies in the amount of RAM you can use. RAM is your system’s working memory, think of it like your desk. The bigger your desk, the more you can do at once without getting cluttered. RAM works the same way, the more RAM you can use the more applications you can have open at one time. Increased RAM also increases the overall speed of the computer from a user-experience point of view.

How much RAM can I use in 32 bit and 64 bit computers?

That depends on the computer, the maximum for a 32 bit machines is 4 GB while the maximum for a 64 bit machine can be as high as 32 GB. Additionally a 64 bit process is much faster and more efficient at handling data than a 32 bit processor.

Do 32 bit applications run on a 64 bit computer?

Sometimes. Newer program releases generally have the appropriate installers for both 32 and 64 bit operating systems; however, you may have to purchase additional software upgrades to use your program. As a best practice you should consult with your software providers before making the switch to a 64 bit platform to find out if your current applications are supported.

Can I upgrade a 32 bit Windows version to 64 bit Windows version?

 No. If you are currently running a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only upgrade to another 32-bit version of Windows. Similarly, if you are running a 64-bit version of Windows, you can only upgrade to another 64-bit version of Windows.

64 bit platforms are quickly becoming the industry standard. Windows XP, Vista and 7 all have 64 bit versions available on new computers.