| 64 Bit OS versus 32 Bit OS? |
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I just had a call from a customer looking to upgrade to Vista but was unsure of the differences she was offered. The store in which she was going to purchase the software offered her Windows Vista Premium in either a 32 bit or 64 bit set-up. When she asked what's the difference, she got a blank stare. So she called On-Site for the answer. So here's the scoop... Since the introduction of Intel's 386 platform, or approximately the last 10 years, 32 bit computing has been the standard. This bit rating of the processor determines the largest numerical number that processor can handle. The largest number that can be processed in a single clock cycle will be equivalent to 2 to the power of the bit rating. Thus, a 32-bit processor can handle a number up to 2^32 or roughly 4.3 billion. Any number greater than this will require more than one clock cycle to process. A 64-bit processor on the other hand can handle a number of a 2^64 or roughly 18.4 quintillion (18,400,000,000,000,000,000). This means that a 64-bit processor would be able to more efficiently handle large number mathematics... i.e. larger programs and files. Most people running XP or a media center edition of Windows are running a 32 bit operating system. There is a version of XP, specifically x64 that was a 64 bit OS but you would know if you have it. A 64 bit OS is typically for being able to run 64 bit software. 64 bit software promises to deliver more powerful applications. The only problem is, there are very few 64 bit titles on the market today. There will be a huge leap forward in graphic manipulation and games, offering better textures, more realistic sounds, and larger and more realistic environments. The 64 bit architecture combined with 64 bit processing power is sure to impress even the most die hard graphics quality and productivity fans. Another great benefit is the memory a system will be able to utilize. 32 bit set-ups are able to handle up to 4GB of RAM and the OS can only allocate up to 2GB of that RAM to any single application. 64 bit systems however, can handle 16 exabytes of memory (that's over 16 billion gigabytes) and can allocate up to 4 GB of RAM to a single application. For extremely graphics intense programs, scientific research, and CAD programs, this is a huge step forward. So do you need it? Well as of right now no. I also don't see to many of the daily use main stream programs out there going to, or needing to switch for quite some time. Programs like MS Office, your email client, etc will be the same for quite some time. On the other hand, If you are currently looking to buy and you don't plan on upgrading again for quite some time, now might not be a bad time to buy into the 64 bit arena. I would only do this if you are considering a brand new PC though. Vista 64 needs to run with a 64 bit capable processor. In fact, even your motherboard must have a bios that is capable of running 64 bit architecture. To upgrade would in most cases be too difficult or costly when compared to current computer prices. You are probably wondering what happens to all your "old" 32 bit programs. Well thanks to a technology called WOW (windows on windows) they will all be able to run. If your running older 16 bit programs, you will have to run a virtual desktop with something like Windows 95 loaded. In short 64 bit computing promises more processing power, more and better use of memory, excellent gaming graphics, and a leap forward in heavy processing applications. We hope this helps in your quest for a new OS. If you have any further questions, or would like us to custom build you a 64 bit powerhouse, feel free to call On-Site at 1-888-725-4509. |