Many Microsoft operating systems come in 64-bit and 32-bit versions (Win XP, Vista, Windows 7). Many Dell and HP systems are coming pre-loaded with 64-bit versions of the operating system. If you bought a 64-bit version by mistake or found out that a 64-bit version will not work in your computer environment, you will have to buy a 32-bit version of the operating system and load your computer from scratch your computer.
What are the major differences between the two versions?
- A 64-bit version of the operating system allows you to utilize more memory space. More memory means the computer and its associated applications should run faster.
- The 64-bit version of the software is more expensive than the 32-bit version.
- Your computer hardware must have the capability to run a 64-bit version. If your computer has this capability, you have the option of loading either the 64-bit or 32-bit version of the operating system.
What are the problems with upgrading a 32-bit operating system to a 64-bit operating system on a 64-bit hardware capable system?
1. Some of your existing hardware components may not have 64-bit drivers.
Sound cards, printers and network interface cards, to name a few, may stop running because the manufacturer has not created a 64-bit driver.
2. In Vista 64-bit, any driver that is not properly signed will not be able to enter the kernel and will fail to load.
Think how many times you have ignored that warning that a certain hardware driver is not properly signed when you installed it for the first time. With Vista 64-bit, if your driver has not be recertified by Microsoft, it will not work. Therefore, a 64-bit driver can exist for your device, but will not work if the manufacturer has not had Microsoft certify it.
3. Very little 64-bit software currently exists.
64-bit software only runs on a 64-bit hardware system with a 64-bit operating system. Currently, however, there is very little 64-bit software out there. Unfortunately, this situation is the classic Chicken versus Egg paradox.
One example I have run across is Palm's Desktop Software which will not run on a 64-bit platform. Therefore, you cannot sync your Palm Smartphone with your computer.
Conclusion:
If you decide that a 64-bit version of the operating system will not support your computing environment, make sure the operating system that is pre-loaded on the new computer you are looking at is a 32-bit version.
