Win 32 bit / 64bit

sorry, this might seem dumb...but i dont get wat this 32bit and 64bit architecture thing is all about. can anyone tell me WAT this is, firstly...and secondly, how do i know wat my architecture is? is it based on wat OS im running? mainly, i need to know coz i need to run MS Virtual PC, and it comes in these two versions for 32 and 64 bit..but i'd like to educate myself in the process

 

Most hardware these days supports 32 and 64 bit operation. The OS determines whether you operate in 32 or 64 bit mode. As to the difference between 32 and 64, 64 bit allows twice as many bits per operation, and also twice as many bits per memory address. What that means to you is that a 64 bit OS can supprt (though hardware doesn't) 16 exabytes (16X1024X1024 GB) of RAM, and that the largest number that can be operated on in one clock cycle goes from 2^32 to 2^64.

 

More so then the OS determines...

You obviously need a 64bit capable CPU to even run an x64 OS.

 

And most currently sold are 64bit.

At this time unless you need the capabilities of a 64bit OS no reason to spend extra to change. It is the future but right now is the transition. Here is a link to Lithus 64bit guide, it will help you understand the general concept.

 

Actually, just as you can emulate 32 bit on 64 bit hardware, you can emulate 64 bit on 32 bit hardware. It is slow and poorly supported, but it is the OS that ultimately determines how many bits the system uses per logical unit of work, at least as it is exposed to applications running within the OS.

 

What? Explain even what you are saying, let alone why? This is not even PAE as PAE does not make 32bit 64bit. PAE does a very bad job of making 32bit 36bit. Please explain what you said as I am so completely confused right now?

 

I'm not even sure if there is an OS (at least currently) that does it, but theoretically speaking, there is no reason that you couldn't emulate 64 bit operation on 32 bit hardware. It might take 3 or 4 32 bit operations to simulate a single 64 bit operation, but it is still possible.

 

I don't think its possible, but either way there is no point in doing such a thing. Why would you run some processes in a 64-bit mode? Like I said, pointless.

 

Well, I could see use for it in something like a high end graphics (like rendering feature films) or scientific environment, where the ability to deal with large numbers outweighs the need for quick processing. Of course, now that hadware is 32 bit native, there would be little point. There's a use for almost anything you can think of.

 

thanks for all that...so how do i know if my hardware can run a 64bit OS? and which OS's run 64 and which run 32? have i got it wrong? like, does Vista, for example, run at 64 bit, and XP at 32?

 

There are 32 bit and 64 bit versions of both Vista and XP. XP 64 is very uncommon, but Vista 64 is becoming pretty common. 99% of modern hardware supports 64 bit native. When buying a computer, generally speaking, if they don't specifically say the OS is the 64 bit version, you can assume it is 32 bit.

 

What processor do you have? If you use a Core 2 Duo or an AMD x2, it's 64-bit. Otherwise, 32-bit only.

Vista has both 32-bit and 64-bit. If you buy Vista Ultimate, you'll get both versions in your cd-case. For other versions, you'll get the 32-bit by default, and you can 'upgrade' to 64-bit by buying the 64-bit version.

(Frankly, I think this is just another way for M$ to suck more money out of your pockets)

Some systems work better with 64-bit right out of the box. My Dell works perfect.

 

Well for hardware what CPU do you have? C2D, PDC, Turion and some others yes. Core duo, P4, PM no. What do you have if you want to know for sure.

 

i have a laptop (Vaio SZ) with a Core 2 Duo T9300. it runs XP pro, and as it doesnt specifically say 64 bit, im assuming its running 32 bit XP? i actually got it downgraded to XP from Vista when i purchased it as i didnt like watever ive used of Vista. thanks for the help!

 

All C2D processors are 64-bit. So your C2D T9300 is definitely 64-bit. Windows XP, by default, is 32-bit.

 

just wondering what are your impressions of 64bit vista. on the same hardware has your performance been better with 64bit or worse?

 

i havent used Vista on my present hardware, i ordered my current system with a OS downgrade, as ive heard so much negative about Vista, 32 & 64 bit..so i cant comment on that..i read this article on this site explaining 32 and 64 bit systems, and he mentioned a reason for not using 64 bit is compatibility, as drivers and all need to be changed. so if i wanted to install Vista 64 on my system, would i need to change a lot? is it more complicated than simply upgrading my OS?

 

It could be. You should check compatability online (google) first.

 

sorry, but how do i check compatibility? do i google for compatibility between sony vaio and vista 64? thanks!

 

No, individual programs that you know you'll be using. Your hardware is compatible, but you still have to check whether the software you use will be compatible with the 64-bit OS. A search you could do, for instance, is "programname vista x64" to get a look at people's experiences in running that program on that OS.

 

Same goes with things like printers. Most will probably be fine, but if you have an older external device, you might not be able to find 64 bit drivers for it.

 

oh i get it..thanks so much for ur help