Why 64 Bit vs 32 Bit? Memory Baby the Memory!

Why 64 Bit? It is all about the memory read on and see what we have to say.

I will start by saying staying with the 32 Bit architecture will be the simplest for many. Using up to 4GB of memory which is extreme for the basic user it can be very simple stay at the 32 Bit. If memory is what you crave then change your architecture, switch to 64 Bit and accept a little pain for the memory gain.  Key issues, before reading the technical comparison below supplied by Microsoft, many older programs will not run or may have some initial difficulty running on a 64 Bit system. With that said let me also point out that Microsoft has include many features to try to minimize this including the ability to run in compatibility mode.

Also if you are buying new hardware do not blame all of the incompatibility of old hardware with the conversion to Vista or Windows 7.  Hardware changed when Vista originally rolled out and Vendors did not necessarily create drivers for the older equipment, also physical architecture changed nothing related to Vista itself and many systems lost there parallel connectors as well as their Serial ports. This last change forced people to have to buy many new peripherals, again this was not the fault of the Operating System.

Is 64 Bit worth the headaches, yes.  While often one of the first comments from the tech side is increased security, this is a plus but it will not always be the case as hackers also get more sophisticated. So at least 64 Bit gives you an edge. Now the real gain again it is in the MEMORY, CPU Instruction sets.  Memory is one of the most intensely used resources on the system so the more the better.  Until Vista most system could not address above 2G of RAM with 64 Bit this barrier was broken and now as we prepare to go to Windows 7 we can get up to 128G of memory.  This is good.  Encryption technology if you are using it is better, but it is easier to lose data by making it non-retrievable so take baby steps in this area.

Some things Microsoft says to take into considersation include:

Advantages when you install a 64-bit version of Windows 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

What to consider when you install a 64-bit version of Windows 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 Vista.

The main differences between the 32-bit versions of Windows Vista and the 64-bit versions of Windows Vista

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