64 bit Windows 7 or 32 bit?

A guide to help you determine whether to buy 64 bit Windows 7 or 32 bit windows 7. The guide helps in determining when to buy 32/64 bit windows 7 and the benefits.

A 64 bit CPU is based on registers, address buses, or data buses of size 64-bit while a 32 bit CPU is based on registers, address buses, or data buses of size 32-bit. 32-bit or 64-bit refer to the way the CPU can handle Random Access Memory (RAM). A 64 bit CPU can handle large amounts of RAM than a 64 bit CPU.

You might be aware that Windows 7 is available as both 32 bit and 64 bit editions.Are you wondering whether you should install the 32-bit windows 7 (x86) or the 64-bit windows 7 (x64) ? You need to first find out whether you are running a 32 bit or a 64 bit windows vista.If you are on windows XP, then you must most likely be on the 32-bit edition.Unless you have a 64-bit vista, you should consider a number of factors before buying a 64-bit windows 7.This is because, if you plan to use an existing hardware, say, a printer or a sound or video card,then it is very unlikely for you to get 64-bit drivers for such old hardware. So, unless you decide to go for newer hardware, you should double check whether you would be able to get 64 bit drivers for your hardware.

The obvious reason why anyone would like to go for a 64-bit windows 7 is its ability to handle more RAM than its 32-bit counterpart. Thus a 64-bit system can be more responsive when you run several programs at the same time and switch between them frequently.

But, how do you find out whether you are already on 32-bit or 64-bit windows vista or XP? Here is a tutorial to find out whether you are on 32 bit windows (click to read) vista or XP or on the the 64 bit editions.

Can I buy a 64 bit Windows 7?

If you find to possess a a CPU capable of running a 64-bit Windows 7 and have all the necessary 64 bit drivers for your hardware, then you can go ahead and buy a 64-bit windows 7.Even if you are currently running a 32-bit windows edition, you can go ahead and buy a 64-bit windows 7.

Except for the lack of adequate driver support from hardware vendors (at this point in time and it is improving every day), 64-bit windows 7 has advantages compared to a 32-bit windows 7. If you find to possess the necessary CPU and drivers, you can try 64 bit windows 7. It is easy To determine whether your computer can run a 32 bit windows 7 (click to read) or a 64 bit windows.

But it is important to remember that if you want to move from a 32-bit version of Windows to a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or vice versa, you’ll need to back up your files and choose the Custom option during Windows 7 installation. Then, you’ll need to restore your files and reinstall your programs.

You should also note the following, if you plan to install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows.

• To install a 64-bit version of Windows 7 on a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows, you’ll need to start, or boot, your computer using a 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc or files.
• If you start your computer using a 64-bit Windows 7 installation disc or files, but your computer isn’t capable of running a 64-bit version of Windows, you’ll see a Windows Boot Manager error. You’ll need to use a 32-bit Windows 7 installation disc or files instead. Hence, it is better to ensure that your computer is capable of running a 64-bit windows 7, before you buy it
• Windows Easy Transfer can’t transfer files from a 64-bit version of Windows to a 32-bit version of Windows. If you’re running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista but you plan to install a 32-bit version of Windows 7, you can move your files to an external location manually or use Backup and Restore in Windows Vista. If you’re running a 64-bit version of Windows XP, you’ll need to move your files to an external location manually.

Most programs or applications designed for the 32-bit version of Windows 7 will work on the 64 bit Windows 7 as well. The only notable exceptions are many anti-virus programs like the free AVG 9 or Avast 5 download that offers free virus protection and several other commercial anti-virus solutions.However, device drivers designed for the 32-bit version of Windows will not work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you’re trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won’t work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows.

Neither programs or applications nor the device drivers designed for 64 bit Windows 7, will work on 32 bit windows 7.

You can go to Windows 7 compatibility center to check whether a program or a device is compatible with the 64-bit version of Windows 7.

You must also run the Windows 7 upgrade advisor before you buy windows 7.

Does this help you in determining whether to buy 64 bit windows 7 or settle down for 32 bit edition?