Tip #4099 - 32-Bit vs. 64-Bit
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Q:
Can you tell me what the difference is between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions
of Windows? I've tried to research it online, but I'm not getting any
concrete answers, so I thought you might have some information you could
share. Please help!
A:
Well, thank you for asking so nicely, but I'd love to answer this question
for you even if you didn't! I've been getting e-mails about this very
thing for quite some time now, so I do apologize for taking so long to
reply. But hopefully I will make up for that today!
I think this question
is popping back up again because more and more people are buying new Windows
Vista computers and they need to know if they should buy a 32-bit
or a 64-bit version. So, if that's why you're asking
this question, I hope I am able to give you the information you need.
Or, if you're asking this question just for the general knowledge, I hope
I can help you out in that way as well. Alright, with all of that out
of the way, let's get down to business!
The easiest way to
decipher the difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit operating system is
to think about it in terms of your computer's processor speed. The terms
32-bit and 64-bit refer to how well a computer's processor can handle
the information it is given. So, if you purchase a computer with a 32-bit
processor, you'll want to install a 32-bit operating system and vice versa.
Those two items go hand in hand when you're dealing with the way a computer
handles certain things.
So, if you're in the
market to buy a new computer, you'll want to match those two parts up.
For example, if you go out and buy a computer with a 64-bit version of
Vista installed on it, the computer better have a 64-bit processor as
well. Or, if you'd rather go with a 32-bit rate, make sure all of that
adds up as well.
Now, if you already
have your computer with, let's say, Windows XP on it and you're thinking
about upgrading to Vista, how can you tell which version of Vista you're
going to need? In this case, you would need to check on your computer's
processor speed. To do so, go to Start, Control
Panel, Performance and Maintenance and then
click on the System link. From there, look under the
General tab and you will be able to see your computer's
processor type and speed. So, if you have a 32-bit processor, you will
only be able to upgrade to a 32-bit version of Vista. You have to stay
within the same elements at all times. So, basically, you can't have a
32-bit processor and upgrade to a 64-bit operating system. It just doesn't
work that way!
This also applies
to the types of programs you use on your computer. Most programs are designed
to work with both 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems without any problems.
However, there's always a chance of something getting mixed up if you
try to combine the two bits together. If you have a 64-bit computer, it's
best that you run 64-bit programs on it if you want the best performance
out of both components. Otherwise, you can just take your chances.
Along with all of
that, I'm sure you're also wondering what a 64-bit computer can do that
a 32-bit can't. Well, for starters, a 64-bit processor can process your
information twice as fast as a 32-bit. Yes, that's nice, but is it really
necessary? It only is if you're working with large video files, bigger
database searches or if you use your computer for a lot of gaming. All
of those things take up a lot more memory and a 64-bit processor would
really help out in those situations. Other than that, if you just use
your computer to do the basic things (check your e-mail, play a few games
online, writing Word documents, etc.), you're going to be just fine with
a 32-bit computer.
Well, there you have
it. The concept between these two is pretty basic, but I'm really glad
you asked this question. This is very important to understand, especially
if you're thinking about buying a new computer in the near future. With
this knowledge, you can now go to the computer store and know exactly
what you're looking for. Isn't that a great feeling? Hope this helps a
lot of you out!
~ Erin
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