Differences Between Windows Version 32-bit and 64-bit

As we will install the operating system, application software or drivers for the hardware, we will find the term 32-bit and 64-bit. Actually, what is meant by the term 32-bit and 64-bit? For those of you who are still in a bit of confusion, in this article I will try to explain more about definition and differences of 32-bit and 64-bit.

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit actually refers to the ability of the CPU or Computer Processor in dealing with the bits of information.

In a processor, there is a temporary data storage area that is referred to as the "Register" which is used to speed up the execution of information. Bit designation bit refers to the width of the register, so the 64-bit register can store more data than the 32-bit registers. 32-bit processors can only process 32 digits of data at once. Register width is very influential, especially in the use of memory (RAM). A CPU with 32-bit registers, has 2 rank 32 address on the register so that RAM can be accessed is limited only up to 4GB. In theory a 64-bit CPU can work with a capacity of up to 17 million GB of RAM, but it is also capable of handling tasks up to two times faster.

So what do 32-bit processor architecture and 64-bit operating system that we use?

To maximize the performance of a computer, of course, we have to match the version of the operating system with the type of the Processor. For example, if we already have a 64-bit Processor it is better if we install a 64-bit version of operating system as well. Starting from Windows XP operating system, there are already a 64-bits version. What we must know that we can install a 32 bit operating system on 64-bit processors, but not otherwise, we can not install a 64-bit operating system on a computer with 32-bit processor.

How do I know if the CPU support 32-bit and 64-bit?

There are various ways to find out if our Processor support 32-bit or 64-bit. Here I will only describe two means only, namely:

1. By looking at the information in the System Properties, for example on Windows 7 can be seen by:

• Right click the icon "My Computer" on the desktop or the Start menu
• Select Properties, and will appear a window with as follows:
  
  
  

2. Using Securable software.

These applications are very small, only 115 KB only, just run the application and the results will be immediately visible whether your processor supports 64-bit or not, the following was from my computer.

Download Securable software in https://www.grc.com/securable.htm

Disadvantages of 64-bit Operating System

As already mentioned above, that one of the advantages if we use the 64-bit version of operating system, such as the Windows 7 64-bit operating system, is that we can maximize the use of RAM. If using Windows 7 32-bit version of the system will only recognize 4GB of RAM only (although the installed RAM was 8 GB for example), which in practice often only read about 3.25 GB only. Whereas when using the Windows 7 64-bit, the amount of installed memory will be entirely utilized. In addition, the processing of data will be noticeably faster when using the 64-bit version of Windows.

Disadvantages of the operating system 64-bit version of this may lie in the application which we will install, where there are usually some sotware that can only be run on Windows 32-bit only. Similarly, hardware drivers that are used, for old hardware drivers there are still many who only provides drivers for Windows 32-bit version only, so if our windows are already 64-bit it would be difficult to find a suitable replacement driver.

That is a little discussion about differents of the 32-bit and 64-bit version of operating system, how to tell if we have 64-bit Processor, along with the advantages and disadvantages of 64-bit systems.

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