Windows Vista (and soon to be Windows 7) come in quite a few different editions, and to make matters even more confusing, most of them have both a 32-bit and 64-bit version. What is the difference between these two versions? Friendly Computers found an article that outlines the pros and cons of running a 64-bit operating system. Read more below…
Ever since the first Athlon 64 processor shipped, buyers and builders of 64-bit desktop systems have waited for a mainstream 64-bit operating system. While they waited, Apple shipped partially 64-bit versions of Mac OS X, but of course only Mac owners could enjoy those. Meanwhile, Linux users could happily install any of several 64-bit distros on their systems. Finally, Windows XP Professional x64 arrived, and now Vista comes out of the box with 64-bit install discs. But should you use them? Good question.
The pros of 64-bit:
• Much larger address space. Add 4 gigabytes, 6GB, 8GB, whatever, and it's all available for applications.
• Most 32-bit apps run well—sometimes better, because each 32-bit app gets its own 2GB of protected memory space.
• Compatibility with existing and future 64-bit applications.The cons:
• Driver support may not exist for some older or obscure peripherals.
• Older 32-bit apps may not work.
• You will need more memory, because of something known as "code expansion." The programming needed for 64-bit apps and the OS results in more memory being used by the OS and 64-bit apps.
