Windows 7 32-bit vs. 64-bit

Hi,

I saw the 64-bit option before downloading the 32-bit version of Windows 7 for my dell m1330 with 4gb ram.

I hear that most software is compatible with 64-bit OS. What are the advantages of 64-bit apart from accessing the full 4gb of ram in my laptop?

What are the disadvantages?

I am using Adobe CS4 and Lightroom. Any advantages with 64-bit over 32-bit Win 7 with these programs?

Thanks.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=369527


64-bit generally offers a more responsive and stable OS, especially as Vista has already pioneered 64-bit in the mass market. The only real disadvantage is support for old hardware that may not have 64-bit drivers. Program-wise, though, the support is very good - with all the software I use, I have only encountered one program that did not run on 64-bit, and that support was added in the latest version (I'm referring to Taskbar Shuffle)!

 

While most software will work as 32-bit versions even if they don't have a 64-bit version, some software will not be able to.

Security software is a good example. Most security software offer 64-bit support or 64-bit versions, but not all features present in the 32-bit version will work (generally the rootkit detection or advanced heuristic detection modules). See e.g. Norton Internet Security and Avira Security Suite.

Of course, this is sort of a moot point for NIS since NIS2009 doesn't actually work on Windows 7 RC 7100 at this point anyway in either edition anyway.

 

The very basic guidline is that 64Bit will be better for data heavy tasks - like processing huge images (not your 10-15MB RAW data file in most case).

To get a little idea - check my signature.

 

Do you need compatibility w/ legacy stuff? If so, what? If it's hardware, check to see if there are 64-bit drivers available.

If you don't need legacy compatibility, go with 64-bit for better performance, better security, and ability to use more RAM.

Here's my slightly more detailed answer: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=4239375&postcount=4

Oh yeah... someone at Adobe says they get about an 8-12% performance improvement with 64-bit (when running a 64-bit app) in cases when they're not using a lot of RAM. Presumably, you'd see a bigger difference for more RAM-dependent situations.

 

I would like to know if certain programs like DivX player, Itunes, VZAccess manager(for a Verizon USB 3G card), AVG 8.5, will have problems?

I know programs like Adobe Lightroom have 64-bit versions. I would like to know if programs not written specifically for 64-bit OS will have compatability issues.

Will I require 64-bit driver versions for all hardware I plug into laptop? Even USB? Thanks.

 

Most drivers are there out of the box... No problems with what you mentioned AFAIK. Things that won't work are 16bits programs and things that are kernel-related for the biggest part.

 

USB encompasses a lot.

USB flash drive - most likely no, incorporated into windows. (-> no problems)

USB connector to phone - yes. (-> possible problem)

Most - but not all 32 Programmes work under 64Bit.

Very few to harldy any/no 32Bit drivers will work and be stable under 64Bit - I think the odd one works - but you really should use 64 Bit drivers.

 

Best thing is to go to the device mfr's website (and/or search Google) to see if they offer a 64-bit driver.

Some things work fine with Windows' bundled drivers, like mice and storage drives.

As mentioned, most 32-bit programs will work fine, but not all. You may be able to get more info from Google or the vendor's site. I know Apple offers a 64-bit version of iTunes... don't know about the other stuff you mentioned.

 

For the most part, 32 bit will suffice most people. Driver and appcompat are the only real dealbreakers considering performance gains are negligible at best.

 

I went 64-Bit Vista and now I will never touch a 32-bit operating system EVER again and I suggest the same!

32-bit is the past! Its old man get with the times!

 

ditto! I am using Windows 7 64 bit without any problems! very fast, stable, and most applications that don't have support for 64 bit nowadays have a 64 bit version.

 

Pretty much depends on what your hardware supports, if it supports 64-bit go with that, if not 32-bit.

As for me my laptop only supports 32-bit so that's the version I will use to test out W7 since I don't want to install W7 on my desktop which does support the 64-bit version.

 

Make sure you have 4 GB RAM for the 64 bit version. Because Window 7 64-bit is sluggish in my laptop with 2 GB RAM.