32bit vs 64bit

[Richiev4]

Hi All

I am thinking about getting Windows 7 and was wondering about installing the 64 bit version, but I have a few questions which I am sure the knoledgable people here can help me answer.

So Here goes:

1. Am I correct in thinking that the Windows 7 install disk have both versions, you just choose the version you want when installing?

2. Will 32bit software run on a 64bit install, I have a number of programs that don't have 64bit versions available - will I still be able to use them.

Thanks everyone

Rich

 

[adamscybot]

Hi All

I am thinking about getting Windows 7 and was wondering about installing the 64 bit version, but I have a few questions which I am sure the knoledgable people here can help me answer.

So Here goes:

1. Am I correct in thinking that the Windows 7 install disk have both versions, you just choose the version you want when installing?

2. Will 32bit software run on a 64bit install, I have a number of programs that don't have 64bit versions available - will I still be able to use them.

Thanks everyone

Rich

1. On a retail off-the-shelf disc yes. On an OEM disc its one or the other.
2. Of course (64-bit would be pretty ****ty if you couldnt ). Obviously 64bit does pose compatibility problems ofr certain types of software, namely those that interact directly with hardware and drivers.

 

[Richiev4]

Thanks adamscybot - so for things like image and video editing it would not be a problem. but a 64bit version would be better that a 32 bit version running in a 64 bit environment?

Rich

 

[adamscybot]

Thanks adamscybot - so for things like image and video editing it would not be a problem. but a 64bit version would be better that a 32 bit version running in a 64 bit environment?

Rich

If theres 64-bit version, use it - as this usually gets released in the event the 32-bit version is buggy on a 64-bit platform. Anything that uses 64-bit is faster on a 64-bit platform than a 32-bit app - however the difference is absolutely minimal and I doubt you'd notice a thing. The real reson for 64bit is for the >4GB ram support and more than 3gb adressable to one application.

You'll probably have 0 problems with 99% of software.

 

[theheyes]

You will only see a benefit running very high end applications, but if you are running a 64bit OS and there is a 64bit version of the application then - unless it is specifically marked as less stable than the 32bit version - there is no reason not to go with it.

 

[Richiev4]

Thanks for the advice - windows 7 here I come - (in October)

 

[sturmtruppe]

i went with x64 just so i could use all 8gb of my ram. But i am seeing some benefits of running native 64 bit programs like winrar for example because it compresses files at a faster rate.