64 bit programs cannot run on 32-bit processors. So you will need to upgrade your hardware first, to 64 bit processor and CPU mother board should support it etc. and then think about using 64 bit programs, 64 bit OS etc. First hardware support, then software support.
Hello Texanweb, You cannot run a 64bit OS on a 32bit Processor. Just a bit of FYI to understand the issues with 32-bit and 64-bit OS upgrades and later options that may or may not be available to you later: When upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 you must upgrade the version currently installed within Windows Vista to the corresponding version in Windows 7. I.E. Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium; Windows Vista Business to Windows 7 Professional; and Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate. You also cannot upgrade a 32-bit operating system to 64-bit -- to migrate from 32-bit to 64-bit will require a custom install. The architecture between the two is too drastically different to allow such a change. To learn more about the differences between a 32-bit operating system and 64-bit please go to the following link: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions I hope that helps you out! You can also find lots of information on Windows 7 here in our Springboard website: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/default.aspx Thanks again, John M. Microsoft Windows Client Support
If you have 4Gb Ram and 64-bit CPU - buy 64-bit Windows 7. If you have 2 Gb Ram and 32-bit CPU - buy 32 bit Windows 7.
Only problem with going from 32 Bit to 64 Bit is that you won't be able to use certain software, applications, and may have hardware issues. However, the speed it gives and the additional ram is well worth it if you ask me.
get a 64 bit CPU and a 64 bit OS. Windows 7 is one of the best workstation OS-es out of Microsoft. My 64 bit Windows 7 rarely uses more than 1.5 GB of memory that is with browsers and Office, web-server, Visual Studio, anti-virus all running at the same time. Like others said, I can run any win32 applications on my 64 bit OS.
considering his processor is 32bit, 64 would not be better for him since he wont be able to install it. lol, theres alot of people in here who think they know what they are talking about, but are actually completely wrong about it.
I sure would like to know more about this only 1.5 gb of memory and a screenshot. With normal stuff I am running 2.5 plus or minus...
32 bit and 64 bit are the terms referred for memory address bus capacity for a particular CPU. A 32-bit address register meant that 232 addresses, or 4 GB of RAM. While 64-bit architecture effectively increases the memory ceiling to 264 addresses, which breaks the barrier of 4 GB RAM addressing capacity. For a normal Home or Internet Surfing 32 bit is more than sufficient. but, 32 bit machine can not be operated on x64 bit OS. While 64-bit architectures mainly Corporate Servers working with large data sets in applications, and scientific computing. 64-bit machine can be operated either x64 bit or x32 bit OS. Generally x64 machines are faster than x32 bit in some applications, but practical test result shows they should not be regarded as twice faster than 32 bit machines. Choice between 64 bit and 32 bit depends on budget and application going to be run on machine.
32 Bit operating systems are inherently limited in the amount of memory they can access. A 32 bit machine can access 2 to the power of 32 bytes of memory (4,294,967,296bytes, 4GB). This means that if you want to utilize more than 4GB of system memory you need to switch to 64bit. 64bit systems can access 2 to the power of 64 bytes of memory, which is more than anyone is going to need for some time. I'm running a 64bit machine and a 32bit machine, I find that most programs run fine on both machines with Windows 7. CentOS offers both 32bit and 64bit versions for Linux users looking for a good 64bit OS.
32 bit is the only option for you sadly. However you can upgrade your processor, and 64 bit processors starting at just £30 there is no reason not too. 64 bit allows you to use 4GB or more of RAM, whereas a 32 bit OS has a 'ceiling' of 4GB of RAM (ie. You can only use up-to 4GB of RAM) However you don't need 4GB of RAM or higher for 64 bit Operating Systems.
If memory is 4gh, you should use 64 bit. And you want to buy windows 7, you can contact me. i can help you save your money. Email: Windows Ultimate only $60