What+advantage+disadvantage+is+there+between+32+bit+and+64+bit+Windows?


 * What advantage disadvantage is there between 32 bit and 64 bit Windows?**



Trying to compare different computer or laptop models to see which is a better deal, is similar to comparing apples and oranges.

There are just too many variables to be able to make this comparison valid.

Higher numbers are typically better when looking at computer components and software, and this instance is no different. The 64-bit Windows is newer and better than the 32-bit in a number of ways. The 32-bit version of both Windows Vista and Windows 7 can only handle up to 4 gigabytes of RAM (random access memory), which is what your computer relies on when running programs and loading files. Your computer cannot truly utilize every byte of RAM, so you are left with about 3 gigabytes of RAM to work with. The 64-bit version, on the other hand, can handle up to 17.2 billion gigabytes of memory. That is four-billion times more RAM than the 32-bit! However, do not rush right to buy that much RAM just yet though. Your computer’s motherboard can only handle so much RAM too, so you will need to check the specifications for it before adding mass quantities of RAM.
 * Memory**

For those concerned about security, the 64-bit version of Windows offers better security than the 32-bit version. While the 32-bit version’s security is adequate for most of the general population, many individuals who are worried about online identity theft prefer the 64-bit because of its enhanced security features.
 * Security**

Like all new technology, the 64-bit Windows is not without its disadvantages, that is until the rest of the tech world catches up to Microsoft as far as technology is concerned. If your computer or any of your peripherals, printer, scanner, monitor, etc. are even slightly outdated, chances are they are not compatible with the 64-bit version of either Vista or Windows 7. When Microsoft created the 64-bit Vista, they stopped supporting older devices, which means you will not be able to find 64-bit drivers for these devices anymore. No drivers means you have got to upgrade to new peripherals. This is not always the case 100% of the time, so do double check with a professional before upgrading.
 * Hardware Compatibility**

The same situation exists with software, although you can run software that is not 64-bit on a 64-bit operating system, it just will not be as fast. If you plan to use the Internet on your 64-bit Windows operating system you will need to use Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 64-bit for optimum performance. Fans of other browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox, can still uses these browsers, but they are 32-bit, which makes having a 64-bit operating system unnecessary. However, Firefox has released a 64-bit version, most users have had extreme difficulties trying to install and run it, so it is better to stick with the 32-bit version for now.
 * Software Compatibility**


 * What is a bit?**

A bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest unit of digital information, represented by either 0 or 1. Arranging a series of bits in sequence creates a binary math language that the processing chips can understand. As a result, CPUs are identified by their ability to process these sequences (32-bit or 64-bit). Eight consecutive bits in such a sequence equals a byte (short for binary term). Large numbers of bytes are then combined to create kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, etc.


 * Confusing?**

The terms, 32-bit and 64-bit indicate the width of the registers, which are storage areas within the computer. The registers can contain either the address location in the computer memory where data is stored, or the data itself. All computer data is processed using information represented in these registers.

Each instruction (the most basic computer command) can process the number of bits indicated in the registers. So, a 64-bit machine processes a 64-bit width register with each instruction. Likewise, a 32-bit machine processes a 32-bit width register per instruction. While it would seem that a 64-bit processor would naturally be faster, the number of instructions executed per cycle (the fundamental unit of time measurement in a device) indicates actual processing speed, so that may not always be the case.