Windows 32 bit versus 64 bit

[Patrickboy]

Windows multiple version's are available in the market. I used Windows XP for a long period. Now i switch to Windows Vista. I got two options while upgrading. Either to choose the 32 bit version or 64 bit. I want an overview of windows 32 bit versus windows 64 bit edition. What are the major differences and features. Is there difference in the price range also. Which is favorable for which type of work.

[ThoMas321]

The editions of Windows Vista OS is available in both 32 and 64 bit version. Normally windows used x86 and x64 terms to define them. Today all the processor's are capable to run a 64 bit OS. The below table will explain you the major difference between both the edition.
1). System Requirement -
For 32 bit Windows Vista - 1 GHz 32 or 64 bit processor, 512 RAM
For 64 bit Windows Vista - 1 GHz 64 bit processor, 1 GB RAM ( Recommended 4 GB )
2). Memory Upgraded -
For 32 bit Windows Vista - 4 Gb RAM
For 64 bit Windows Vista - 128 Gb RAM
3). Kernel Patch Protection (PatchGuard) -
For 32 bit Windows Vista - Not Supported.
For 64 bit Windows Vista - Supported.It enables to prevent malicious software form updating the Windows Vista kernel.
4). Driver Support -
For 32 bit Windows Vista - Supports all Driver designed for 32 bit edition.
For 64 bit Windows Vista - Does not support 32 bit edition drivers.
5). 16-bit program support -
For 32 bit Windows Vista - Supports 16-bit program to a limit.
For 64 bit Windows Vista - Does not 16-bit program.

By the above you can get at idea of what is the difference between the two editions.

[chroma]

I was too got the same query concern with buying a computer. There are several parts in a system that determines the reliability of the system. Like the data buss. Data buss connects the memory to the rest of the system like the cpu. It facilitates the movement of data inside your computer. In a 32 bit architecture the width of the data buss is 32 bit wide while in a 64 bit it is double. It so wide that your data can travel twice faster as compare to 32 bit. Faster means you can surf you web, design a graphic or calculation will work faster. The cpu companies are working out to provide a 64 bit processor which work faster and remain cooler during operation. On the other side of coin 64 bit system cost much than 32 bit system. As compare to the price of 64 bit the price of 32 bit systems are dropping. Any small business or individual's can afford 32 bit systems. 64 bit systems are suitable to mostly businesses, universities, scientific groups, governments, etc. If you are a animator, graphic designer, etc then 64 bit system is helpful.

[Sam.D]

As compare to 32 bit version of vista the 64 bit is much faster and requires much high configuration machine. It quiet heavy on pocket also. The basic comparison is. You can add more ram in 64 bit system. That means your server can work more faster and store more data, etc. The 64 bit architecture supports more ram, hard disk, wide data bus, etc. The following information below gives the maximum resource of computers in 64 bit and 32 bit architecture.
1). Virtual memory
64 bit windows - 16 TB
32 bit windows - 4 GB
2). Paging file size
64 bit windows - 256 terabytes
32 bit windows - 16 terabytes
3). Paged pool
64 bit windows - 128 GB
32 bit windows - 470 MB
4). System cache
64 bit windows - 1 terabyte
32 bit windows - 1 GB