32-bit or 64-bit?

[poker158149]

I'm looking to buy a new computer.

The only problem I'm having is whether to get a 32-bit processor or a 64-bit processor.

I need alot of RAM, which I know 64-bit can hold much more than a 32-bit, and I know 64-bit's are also more secure, but I also want a wider variety of programs that I can run, which 32-bit has, because I know 32-bits can run 32-bit programs and 16-bit programs, whereas 64-bits can run only 64-bit compatible programs.

I also know that in order to use other hardware, such as printers or scanners, it has to be digitally signed by the developer to be used on 64-bit, but it doesn't matter whether it is or not on 32-bit.

Hard decision. Any help?

[BC_Programmer]

64-bit vista can run 32-bit programs.... otherwise I wouldn't be able to use firefox

64-bit is no more secure then 32-bit, unless your talking RSA encryption key bit width which is a completely different thing altogether unrelated to CPU bandwidth.

32-bit and 64-bit vista require signed drivers and/or a boot switch. 64-bit XP doesn't, it's more or less a Windows Version difference then a difference between 32-bit and 64-bit.

I might add that you cannot even buy a new processor that is 32-bit anymore- and if you do, it's not "new" in the proper sense. the Pentium-M was, I believe, the last 32-bit processor that intel created. every one after that, core, Core 2, etc are 64-bit. At least to my understanding.

[evilfantasy]

64-bit is no more secure then 32-bit

Oh no you didn't!

Ok maybe no more secure as an OS but there isn't much 64bit malware (yet). I'd post a link but it's not in a public forum so nobody could access it anyway.

Edit: PM sent BC.

P.S. 64bit is the future. Near future for that matter. Might as well go ahead and get it now if you can instead of having to update later.

[BC_Programmer]

ahh, I didn't mean, secure, as in malware, I was thinking, secure as in hacking from the internet


I'd say 64-bit is now, what with all the 64-bit processors and whatnot.

[TechGeek]

I prefer x64 but make sure there are compatible drivers.

[poker158149]

Thanks for your posts.

And BC, I was getting all of that information from the microsoft site.

What I meant by more secure is that 64-bit processors come with special protection for the kernal, whereas 32-bits do not.

Firefox is a program that can be run on 32-bit and 64-bit. It's made that way.

I'm just saying there's not many programs that are made as 64-bit exclusive, whereas there are many 32-bit exclusive programs. That's my only main disappointment, 64-bit is currently missing out on some useful programs.
Don't ask me which, I don't know exactly but at least one of them has to be useful

As evilfantasy said,

64bit is the future.

So I know alot more 64-bit programs will be made, I'm just looking at the present.


http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/41531554-d5ef-4f2c-8fb9-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/946765

[BC_Programmer]

well, yes, but 32-bit programs still run quite well on a 64-bit PC. In fact one might even say that a 32-bit OS is missing out on 64-bit programs 



Firefox is a 32-bit program. you don't need to write a 32-bit program especially for running on a 64-bit OS- the 64-bit compile of firefox is called Minefield. I can't recall the specifics but I had a few issues with it and stopped using it on my laptop... for some reason. I might give it another whirl on my new
build though.


Think of it this way- the 16-bit to 32-bit switch was a bit different, but some of the semantics are similar. On the other hand, there were quite a few 32-bit only programs, that ran on windows 95; but at the same time most of them weren't really "exclusive" to the 32-bit platform- Except a few MS programs, such as Office 95 - most programs continued to be released in both 16-bit and 32-bit flavours at least until windows 98 was released, so the transition is usually a long one.


I don't think 64-bit processors have any special features aside from being able to execute 64-bit instructions.

[evilfantasy]

I think UAC adds the most security. But savvy users turn it off cause it can be a pain. It's a good safety net though and should always be activated.

[BC_Programmer]

I had it deactivated at first but after a reinstall I have simply forgotten to disable it- really not as much of a nuisance as it originally seemed to be, especially when running a program, you suddenly get a UAC prompt for a different program in the temp folder with a random name... tends to raise an eyebrow 

[poker158149]

So, by seeing this conversation, what would be the negative side of going with 64-bit?

[BC_Programmer]

Only one I can think of, right off, is not being able to run 16-bit programs.

[Cityscape]

I'm looking to buy a new computer.

The only problem I'm having is whether to get a 32-bit processor or a 64-bit processor.

I need alot of RAM, which I know 64-bit can hold much more than a 32-bit, and I know 64-bit's are also more secure, but I also want a wider variety of programs that I can run, which 32-bit has, because I know 32-bits can run 32-bit programs and 16-bit programs, whereas 64-bits can run only 64-bit compatible programs.

I also know that in order to use other hardware, such as printers or scanners, it has to be digitally signed by the developer to be used on 64-bit, but it doesn't matter whether it is or not on 32-bit.

Hard decision. Any help?

My main problem with 64 bit is not being able to run 16 bit programs
And 64 bit can sometimes be hard to find. If you go 64 bit make sure it is Vista 64 or preferably Windows 7 64.

[patio]

How many 16 bit apps do you have that you need to run ? ?
This can be worked around by dual booting to an older OS or using VM....

[2x3i5x]

and if you have VM capable processor, windows 7 has the XP mode so you can get a working XP environment with a simple add-on that you gotta downlod ...

[poker158149]

I think I'll find some work around for the 16-bit programs.

As patio said, I'll just use virtual box to duel boot.

I planned on getting Vista 64-bit, but now I'm thinking whether I should just go striaght to Windows 7 or if I should stick with Vista.

But thanks for all of your help!