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Which is better - 64 bit version of Windows 7 or 32 bit version of Windows 7?
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The 32 bit or 64 bit architecture actually means the memory address length that the CPU can refer. This afticle explains about 32 bit and 64 bit Windows 7.
Which is better - 64 bit version of Windows 7 or 32 bit version of Windows 7?
We normaly talk about 32 bit version and 64 bit version of Windows 7 operating system. But does any one what is the difference between 32 bit and 64 bit versions of Windows 7 OS? Let us see what actually is the meaning of 32 bit and 64 bits.
The 32 bit or 64 bit architecfture actually means the memory address length that your CPU can refer. This also determines the amount of maximum memory that can be utilized. The maximum amount of memory that can be utilized by a 32 bit CPU is 4 GB. So you can not use more than 4 GB of RAM with a 32 bit CPU. In fact the maximum accessible RAM for a 32 bit version is around 3.4 GB due to memory allocations for other hardware like Graphics card. 4 GB RAM is the minimum required for 64 bit Windows 7 OS. You can even use 8 GB, 32 GB or even terabytes of memory with 64 bit versions. The maximum memory that can be addressed theoretically by 64 bit Windows is upto 16.8 million tera bytes of RAM.
64 bit version of Windows 7 has the ability to addresss more physical memory which will improve the over all performance of your computer. So a 64 bit version of Windows 7 can manage the processes more efficiently.
The 32 bit version of Windows 7 can run on both 32 bit and 64 bit CPUs where as 64 bit version of Windows 7 cannot run on 32 bit CPUs. 64 bit version of Windows 7 needs a 64 bit processor to install. Anyway most modern processors are coming as 64 bit processors.
We can run a 32 bit Windows application on a 32 bit Windows 7 as well as 64 bit Windows 7 operating systems. But a 64 bit Windows application cannot run on a 32 bit Windows 7 operating system. One thing you should keep in mind is that before installing a 64 bit version of Windows 7, you should be sure that you have 64 bit drivers for the system.
One more thing is that you cannot upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit Windows 7. For upgrading to 64 bit Windows 7, you have to buy a new copy of the OS.
There are some disadvantages and problems with 64 bit version of Windows 7. If you have a 64 bit version of Windows 7 does not really mean that all the applications will run faster. This is due to the fact that today's softwares are written and optimized for 32 bit versions. So in order to take the advantage of the speed improvement of 64 bit version of Windows 7, you need softwares specially optimized for 64 bit processing. Bit it is good that many of the games of today have already included such improved optimization.
Advantages and disadvantages of 64 bit version of Windows 7
Let us now see what are the advantages and disadvantages of installing and using a 64 bit Windows 7 operating system in your computer.
It is possible to address more than 4 GB of memory which is really required for games, AutoCAD and some video editors - But you will need a 64 bit processor, OS and applications to completely take advantage of the additional memory.The old 16 bit applications will not run on 64 bit version of Windows 7.There will be a slight degradation in the performance if you run 32 bit applications in 64 bit versions of Windows 7. This would slow down the speed in 64 bit OS.The existing 32 bit drivers will no longer work with 64 bit Windows 7. For example if you have a very old scanner which works with Windows vista, it may not work with 64 bit Windows 7.Softwares like Photoshop, video editing softwares, 3D modelling programs, AutoCAD, Games etc. work better in 64 bit Windows 7 operating system.
So what is your decision? Whether to go for 32 bit or 64 vesion of Windows 7. Well, it depends on the purpose for which you want to use your computer. If you are having a 64 bit CPU, have latest 64 bit hardware and drivers, then you can think of going ahead with 64 bit OS. If you are working with applications like 3D modelling softwares, AutoCAD, Photoshop, video editing etc. then it would be beneficial to you to go for 64 bit version of Windows 7.
Read related articles: Windows 7 64 bit Windows 7 features Windows 7
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