ryanmh

I just got a new CPU, mobo, and RAM and I can now run a 64-bit OS. I was wondering, what are the differences between 64-bit and 32-bit.

SaltTheWalt

The major difference is that 32-bit is limited to about 3.4GB of RAM while 64-bit can support much more.
The downside of 64-bit is that it also comes with some program incompatibility which has actually gone down throughout the years.

I'd say 64-bit has more advantages over 32-bit

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KamuiRSX

64bit is also more secure than a 32bit environment. Also, 64bit OS's can only run 64bit and 32bit programs. 32bit OS's can run 32bit and 16bit. So if you have any really old programs that you still like using, it probably won't run in 64bit. However, most of the program incompatibility is a thing of the past. Most application developers are quick to make popular programs compatible.

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"I'm not going there to die. I'm going to see if I'm really alive."

TheSandman

64bit security is just as good as 32bit when it comes to windows, the reason it feels safer is similar to why Mac OS and now Windows 9x are also very safe operating systems, low userbase on the code meaning its not targeted or for 9x they dont target it anymore

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