The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also
called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access
memory (RAM) more effectively than the 32-bit version.
For example, if you're running Windows XP 32-bit and you want to update the drivers for a device, you'll need to install the 32-bit drivers designed for the hardware. 64-bit drivers won't work in the 32-bit version of Windows XP and vise versa.
Windows XP :-
1 Click
the Start button,
2 Right-click
Computer,
3 Click Properties
Note: You should be
on the General tab in System Properties.
4
Under System: you'll see basic
information about the version of Windows XP installed on your computer:
- Microsoft
Windows XP Professional Version [year] means you're running
Windows XP 32-bit.
- Microsoft
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version [year] means
you're running Windows XP 64-bit.
Important: There are no
64-bit versions of Windows XP Home or Windows XP Media Center Edition. If you
have either of these editions of Windows XP then you're running a 32-bit
operating system.
Now that you know if you're running Windows
XP 32-bit or Windows XP 64-bit, you can be comfortable choosing the correct
drivers and software for your computer.
OR
- Go to the start
menu.
- Choose all
programs
- Then choose
accessories, then system tools.
- Now choose system
information.
- See the screen
shot below.
If it says x86 then you have a 32 bit operating system. If
the processor area mentioned a 64 or AMD64 then this means you have a 64 bit
processor. If it said Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
Version then this means it is a 64 bit operating system. However as you can see
from above, it says Microsoft Windows XP Professional and the processor starts
with X86 so therefore this is a 32 bit processor with a 32 bit operating
system.
Computers running Windows Vista or
Windows 7
Click the Start button , right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
- If "64-bit Operating System" is listed next to System type, you’re running the 64-bit version of Windows Vista or Windows 7.
- If "32-bit Operating System" is listed next to System type, you’re running the 32-bit version of Windows Vista or Windows 7.
The edition of Windows Vista or Windows 7 you're running is displayed under Windows edition near the top of the window.
Another way to see if you have a 32 bit
or a 64 bit operating system
1.
Go to control panel by going to the start menu in the bottom left
corner.
2.
Click on the system icon.
3.
The information will be there.
4.
See in the screen shot below I have a 32-bit Operating system.
What are the advantages and
disadvantages of having a 64 bit system?
- You will
need to install 64-bit drivers for all your add ons like your printer, usb
stick, digital camera, and more. This is why people have had problems with
having a 64 bit system. However as time goes on the technology gets better
and more refined… Soon drivers will be available for most devices.
- If you have
a 64 bit processor and a 64 bit operating system you will have to
have 64-bit software applications like office programs, picture editors,
and so on..
- There is
not much compatible software available at the moment, however this is
changing.
- A Vista 64
bit operating system does not support any 32 bit software.
- An AMD 64
bit processor supports both 32 bit and 64 bit operating systems.
- Vista 64
bit operating system has major improvements on security features and kicks
the 32 bit but. New features that prevent and almost make system attacks
impossible.
- Vista Home
Basic 64 bit supports up to 8 GB of RAM, Vista Home Premium 64 bit
supports up to 16 GB and Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate 64 bit
supports up to 128 GB, whereas 32 bit Vista supports 4 GB or RAM.
- A 64-bit
processor is made with more advanced processes, have more features, and of
course has faster speeds.