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Eye Stigmata
Member
The term 32 bit and 64 bit refer to how a computers cpu handles info...
basically a 64 bit will handle more RAM than a 32 bit...RAM = memory (basically)...
hope that helps!
basically a 64 bit will handle more RAM than a 32 bit...RAM = memory (basically)...
hope that helps!
Eye Stigmata
Member
In more detail....a 64 bit computer can handle more memory, it's easier to have more programs running at the same time, and it's easier to switch between programs. It just better organizes things for you, and is more efficient with running many programs at once, where as a 32 bit may take forever to load pages if you have more than 1 or 2 windows open at a time.
David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
What ES says is correct although that isn't the primary or major difference.
Early desktop computers were 8-bit systems, meaning that they could process data in 8-bit chunkc. Later, we had 16-bit and then 32-bit computers which were faster because they could handle more information at a time. Most recent computers are 64-bit, which are faster than 32-bit machines.
One consequence, as ES says, is that 64-bit machines can utilize more RAM. The practical limit of 32-but machines is a bit under 4 gigabytes of RAM. For 64-bit machines, it's substantially higher (I'm not sure of the limit but I bel;ieve it's at least 16 gigabytes).
The down side is that (1) you need a 64 bit operating system to be able to benefit from a 64-bit processor; and (2) not all software can actually utilize the increased processing power of 64 bit systems and some older software won't run at all in a 64-bit operating system. This was the problem Steve ran into when he tried out a Windows 7 64-bit system: His music editing software wouldn't run on that computer at all.
For most people, the implications are you'll need an up-dated version of Microsoft Office (e.g., Office 2007). and the latest versions of other common software.
More information:
32 bit vs 64 bit - Bing
32 bit vs 64 bit - Google Search
Early desktop computers were 8-bit systems, meaning that they could process data in 8-bit chunkc. Later, we had 16-bit and then 32-bit computers which were faster because they could handle more information at a time. Most recent computers are 64-bit, which are faster than 32-bit machines.
One consequence, as ES says, is that 64-bit machines can utilize more RAM. The practical limit of 32-but machines is a bit under 4 gigabytes of RAM. For 64-bit machines, it's substantially higher (I'm not sure of the limit but I bel;ieve it's at least 16 gigabytes).
The down side is that (1) you need a 64 bit operating system to be able to benefit from a 64-bit processor; and (2) not all software can actually utilize the increased processing power of 64 bit systems and some older software won't run at all in a 64-bit operating system. This was the problem Steve ran into when he tried out a Windows 7 64-bit system: His music editing software wouldn't run on that computer at all.
For most people, the implications are you'll need an up-dated version of Microsoft Office (e.g., Office 2007). and the latest versions of other common software.
More information:
32 bit vs 64 bit - Bing
32 bit vs 64 bit - Google Search
Thanks for all that info.
I think I shold probably be ok as far as software goes, since everything I've bought has been really recent and should transfer over ok.
My new computer only has 4g of ram, I think...I can't remember.
Overall I should have a better operating system, it sounds like...
I think I shold probably be ok as far as software goes, since everything I've bought has been really recent and should transfer over ok.
My new computer only has 4g of ram, I think...I can't remember.
Overall I should have a better operating system, it sounds like...
David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
I assume it's Windows 7? That's what my son's new computer is (also 64-bit).
Yes, it's the Dell Studio 17 with Windows 7 and 4gb of ram and I think I only got a 250gig hard drive...can't see me needing anything bigger than that. The only "upgrade" I got was the backlit keyboard (because I'm a vampire and type at night). Otherwise it's straight off the factory line...
Does he like Windows 7? My step dad just got a new computer tonight, also with Windows 7, but is having trouble getting certain programs to load (likely the programs older than Methuselah).
Does he like Windows 7? My step dad just got a new computer tonight, also with Windows 7, but is having trouble getting certain programs to load (likely the programs older than Methuselah).
Looking down at the keyboard is a sign of weakness
David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
*cough* but using a spellchecker is not a sign of weakness *cough*
Or a sign I failed typing class. Actually, when I did my typing test for Ottawa Police I came in at 101 wpm with 99.5% accuracy.
Of course, that was then, this is now...I wouldn't get close to that now, but you're right...given that I don't look at my keyboard to type, why do I need a backlit one? Well, because it's funky, that's why.
David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
It's like a night light. You can type in the dark while watching Poltergeist or White Noise and not get scared.
It's like a night light. You can type in the dark while watching Poltergeist or White Noise and not get scared.
Or Anaconda...
I can proudly say I don't use spellchecker. I don't even know how (and please don't tell me). I figure after winning the spelling competitions through grades four, five, and six, I should have *some* skills that remained with me this late in my life.
I guess you don't use Firefox, then. (It's built into Firefox. Misspellings are underlined in red.)
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