Need A Quick Explanation 32 vs 64 Bit
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toddpedlar
Iron Dramatist
That question is very hard to answer unless you describe what it is you want your system to do. Your intended purpose will help figure out whether it's advantageous for you to go to 64 bit (which really in my opinion has NO negatives - it's only the cost difference that might make you prefer a 32-bit architecture instead).
You get a 64bit. You don't get a 32 bit if you have a choice of 64.
Simple enough?
Simple enough?
toddpedlar
Iron Dramatist
You get a 64bit. You don't get a 32 bit if you have a choice of 64.
Simple enough?
Well, well, Mr. Snappy-Answer
(sounds like a Bunyan character)
32-bit software runs in 32-bit mode on a 64-bit system.
It might be true that there is some piece of software that won't run, but I am not aware of any major software that won't.
Archlute
Puritan Board Senior
The occasion is that I will most likely be picking up a new laptop this week. The one I currently use is 32 bit system. The one I am looking at is only offered in 64 bit. I use my laptops for basic computing and word processing, but also for watching movies with my wife, and for some gaming with my boys.
What does it affect, and are there changes in software, etc, that have to be made between the two specs?
Btw, I can't believe how quickly computer sales change over the course of just 18mos. Everything that was a higher-end option (such as a BluRay slot drive, better processor, etc, etc) now comes standard on a similarly priced model. The baseline laptop even comes with a silly little facial security scan built in. Insane.
What does it affect, and are there changes in software, etc, that have to be made between the two specs?
Btw, I can't believe how quickly computer sales change over the course of just 18mos. Everything that was a higher-end option (such as a BluRay slot drive, better processor, etc, etc) now comes standard on a similarly priced model. The baseline laptop even comes with a silly little facial security scan built in. Insane.
Seriously, Adam. Get the 64 bit. The newer programs will all eventually be 64 bit versions. The biggest immediate change is that 32-bit systems have a limitation of 3GB RAM. Even if you put in more, it really does not recognize or utilize it properly. 64-bit systems can.
You will be able to run 32-bit programs (I'm typing this on 32-bit Firefox on a 64bit system, and I use MS Office 2007 every day, which is also 32-bit), and won't be limited when newer programs come out only in 64-bit (which is still likely 2-3 years away at least). MS Office 2010, for example, has both 32 and 64 bit versions.
dr_parsley
Puritan Board Freshman
It's really very simple - 32 bit can only access 4GB of RAM. Systems with 4GB of ram are readily available these days and so one would think that in a couple of years it will be on the low end of the scale. Particularly if you want to play games, you will need more than 4GB.
Skyler
Puritan Board Graduate
64-bit architecture can handle a lot more RAM than 32-bit architecture. The downside is, drivers and such have to be rewritten to accommodate the 64-bit architecture, which means that 64-bit operating systems are often undersupported when it comes to drivers. Windows XP 64-bit was notorious for not having enough 64-bit drivers.
Jimmy the Greek
Puritan Board Senior
It's nice to know we have plenty of computer Geeks around here. 
jfschultz
Puritan Board Junior
According to some Mac oriented sites information about the new Mac OS (Snow Leoplard) indicate that there is a performance issue with Intel's 32-bit implementation that is fixed by 64-bits.
"Snow Leopard's upgrade to 64-bit system apps provides an overall speed boost due to limitations in the original design of Intel's 32-bit chips; the move to the new 64-bit x64 processor model, originally developed by AMD, solves these issues. " (Apple Insider)
"Snow Leopard's upgrade to 64-bit system apps provides an overall speed boost due to limitations in the original design of Intel's 32-bit chips; the move to the new 64-bit x64 processor model, originally developed by AMD, solves these issues. " (Apple Insider)
Backwoods Presbyterian
Puritanboard Amanuensis
This is one of the reasons why Dos-Box was one of the greatest inventions ever.
White Knight
Puritan Board Freshman
toddpeddler's first answer nailed it. 32 bit is efficient, 64 bit is upgradeable. For what you said you'd be using it for, either one will be fine. I have one computer that's 32 bit that, if I ever fixed, that would be for gaming, but me and games have a bad history...The other one is 64 bit that I use for documentation, video, the like. No "real" reason other than personal preference that I have that setup.
tcalbrecht
Puritan Board Junior
My reco: Go with 64-bit architecture and OS. I have three systems presently 64-bit, two Intel and one AMD. Mix of Windows Vista and Ubuntu 64-bit OSes. Never had a problem getting an app to run. Never had an issue with driver support.
32-bit is so '90s.
32-bit is so '90s.
I agree with the recommendation to go to 64-bit for more RAM. If you're running Logos and a lot of other apps concurrently during research you might find it beneficial to have more RAM. RAM is so cheap today compared to what it used to be.
tcalbrecht
Puritan Board Junior
Yeah. I remember paying $300 for 32K (yes, kilobytes) of extra memory in my original TRS-80.
Curt
Puritan Board Graduate
My reco: Go with 64-bit architecture and OS. I have three systems presently 64-bit, two Intel and one AMD. Mix of Windows Vista and Ubuntu 64-bit OSes. Never had a problem getting an app to run. Never had an issue with driver support.
32-bit is so '90s.
Huh?
Lady of the Lake
Puritan Board Freshman
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