32 bit vs 64 bit

[tape]

Got an older Dell 4600 with XPpro--waiting for final Windows 7 before I upgrade. In the meantime, my son-in-law just purchased Dell Studio laptop with Vista Home Premium (64 bit). His wife also got new Dell laptop with Vista Home Basic (32 bit). I was asked to install the VHP on her less powerful laptop so there would be no networking problems. So after I do a clean install of the VHP, it runs the 64 bit version. I thought the difference was in the insides of the computer, not the software. Now I am considering installing the Windows RC 7 on my older Dell. Any concerns I should have?

[EzyStvy]

You must have a 64bit capible computer (cpu/mobo) in order to run a 64 bit Operating System. Most newer computers sold today will run the 64bit OS.

[chuck4456]

Originally Posted by tape Got an older Dell 4600 with XPpro--waiting for final Windows 7 before I upgrade. In the meantime, my son-in-law just purchased Dell Studio laptop with Vista Home Premium (64 bit). His wife also got new Dell laptop with Vista Home Basic (32 bit). I was asked to install the VHP on her less powerful laptop so there would be no networking problems. So after I do a clean install of the VHP, it runs the 64 bit version. I thought the difference was in the insides of the computer, not the software. Now I am considering installing the Windows RC 7 on my older Dell. Any concerns I should have?

Use the 32 bit on the older DELL.
Most later model CPUs are 64 bit capable.
RAM will be your Achilles Heel.
If you have 2GB or less, go 32 bit.

[Lespaul20]

Originally Posted by chuck4456 Use the 32 bit on the older DELL. Most later model CPUs are 64 bit capable. RAM will be your Achilles Heel. If you have 2GB or less, go 32 bit.

Where do you get the 2GB point for 32 versus 64bit OS?

[indigo0086]

64bit allows for a much larger address space to reference memory. therefore it allows a 64bit OS and applications to utilize much more memory than a 32bit OS.