Before you pick up a copy of Windows 7, you'll have to decide whether you'll plump for the 64 or 32bit version. We take a look at which version of the OS will best suit you.
If you haven't got your hands on Microsoft's latest OS, Windows 7, already, you're probably very close to heading down to your local retailer to pick up a copy. But before you do, you really need to decide whether you'll opt for the 32 or 64bit version.
You might want to get the 64bit version so you can load up on RAM or just to get a jump on the future of home computing. But software and hardware designers are still catching up, so even with your beefy hardware and shiny new operating system, you might end up having a 32bit computing experience anyway.
64bit vs 32bit
The difference between 32 and 64bit systems basically comes down to this: 64bit systems can handle more RAM and more data. That's basically it.
Both versions of Windows look the same, it's just a matter of how much data these systems can handle at once.
A 64bit system can handle more than 4GB of memory (the maximum for 32bit), and can also process more pieces of data at once. For the average consumer, the most significant advantage this translates into is better graphics, since a 64bit system can process more visual detail than a 32bit machine can.
The 32bit problem
Even though 64-bit Windows systems were first introduced with Windows XP and then given a real push under Windows Vista, parts of the computing world are still coming to grips with the 64bit reality.
During the Vista years, most Windows users were still using the 32bit version of XP, so software designers remained focused on these customers and did not pay much attention to what was possible with 64bit Vista systems.
One example is Real Player, which only recently came out with a 64bit compatible version - Real Player SP 1.
Although you may have a tough time finding some applications primed for 64bit systems, it should be rare to come across software that simply won't work with the more powerful version of Windows.
As a general rule, 32bit versions of software will work on a 64bit system. But that kind of defeats the purpose of upgrading, doesn't it?
If you're not sure whether your favourite software will work on a 64bit system, find out at Microsoft's Windows 7 Compatibility Center.
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NEXT PAGE: It's a 32bit web
- Which version of Microsoft's latest OS you should plump for?
- It's a 32bit web
Comments
Callum said: I have a Dell laptop with Windows 7 64bit and Dell provided 64bit drivers for everything in the laptopDoes Sony offer 64bit operating systems I find it odd a manufacturer would provide you with the OS but not support it with drivers
Squillary said: The main problem with 64-bit as the article rightly says is lack of 64-bit Flash Ive been using 64bit since Vista and Adobes complete failure to address the issue means my 64bit IE is unusable No youtube at all An enterprising company needs to come out and consign Adobe to the dustbin of history where they belong Its unforgivable after 25 years to have nothing in the worksDriver support is the other issue In truth the main reason why Vista got abad rap is that 64bit support is so poor I had to dump 2 peripherals laser printer and scanner because hardware companies have refused to update drivers of old devices Old means as little as 18 months People would say it was a failure of Vista - the truth is it was a failure of HP Lexmark Epson etc etc
M J Edwards said: Yes driver support is very good but you might have to leave some of you legacy hardware in a draw I upgraded from Vista 32bit to W7 64bit and I lost my Biopod Fingerprint scanner AirPace Wireless card and a couple of other devices due to the age of these product it is unlikely the driver support will ever be available
R J Sebire said: A really imformative article the one thing it fails to mention though is 64bit driver support which is not there and acording to the major vendors such as SONY will never be as they like all the other major vendors have not plans to support a 64bit OS ever