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Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows Vista and 7 => Topic started by: giuliano26 on June 11, 2011, 04:09:28 AM

Title: Difference between 64bit & 32bit?
Post by: giuliano26 on June 11, 2011, 04:09:28 AM

What is the difference between a 32bit program and 64bit program? Which of them should I use? *sorry for my english.

Title: Re: Difference between 64bit & 32bit?
Post by: Salmon Trout on June 11, 2011, 05:38:51 AM

Based on the admittedly small sample so far provided, your English seems excellent. I think the answer you are seeking is probably something like this: 64 bit Windows programs are written to use the features of 64 bit processors, whereas 32 bit programs will only run on 32 bit processors.

I don't think there is any point in making this reply a complete description of 32 and 64 bit CPUs and programming for them, so I provide some of links below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64-bit#32-bit_vs_64-bit

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-a-32-bit-and-64-bit-operating-system.htm

Title: Re: Difference between 64bit & 32bit?
Post by: Geek-9pm on June 11, 2011, 08:47:23 AM

Quote

whereas 32 bit programs will only run on 32 bit processors.

You meant to say 64 bit programs only run on 64 bit CPU with a 64 bit operating system.

Title: Re: Difference between 64bit & 32bit?
Post by: Salmon Trout on June 11, 2011, 09:03:03 AM

Quote from: Geek-9pm on June 11, 2011, 08:47:23 AM

You meant to say 64 bit programs only run on 64 bit CPU with a 64 bit operating system.

That'll teach me to be a wise guy! And to read my posts more carefully before clicking "Post".

A 32 bit program will run in:

a 32 bit operating system (which will run on a 32 or a 64 bit processor)
a 64 bit operating system (which will only run on a 64 bit processor)

A 64 bit program will only run in:

a 64 bit operating system (which will only run on a 64 bit processor)

I think I've got that right?

Title: Re: Difference between 64bit & 32bit?
Post by: Geek-9pm on June 11, 2011, 09:42:02 AM

Glad you got it right. Must bookmark this!   ;D