Is this 64bit?

I am a little baffled as to whether my computer is 64bit or not, it has a Intel Centrino Core 2 Duo processor, and 2GB of DDRII RAM, although it came shipped with a 32bit OS. But what is confusing me is the fact that my friend's PC came with 32bit Windows but he has a 64bit computer.

So, can someone please help me and tell me whether my computer is 32 or 64bit. Thanks in advance, and reputation will be given to everyone who puts a good reply.

 

Yes, it is a 64 bits CPU as all Core 2 Duo are 64 bits now. http://www.intel.com/products/processor/core2duo/specifications.htm?iid=prod_core2duo+tab_spec

However, it is possible that they offer you a 32 bits Windows as they may not have all the drivers in 64 bits and I believe that not all programs would work well in 64 bits.

 

I know they ship most 64bit computers with 32bit OS in the UK, don't know why, must be something to do with money, since they know if they want a 64bit OS they will have to buy one...crafty bastards.

Thanks for your help! Now I'm off to install 64bit Ubuntu Gutsy .

 

I believe the main reasons is the drivers and software compatibility as the 64 bits don't work with every hardware or software.

I doubt it has anything to do with the price since the difference between the 64 bits and the 32 bits versions is almost the same.

See http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_ff_x64.asp

 

I think 32 bit OS is commonly shipped unless requested otherwise.

 

I didn't say because of price, but if you think about it, if you buy a 64bit machine, and they supply you with 32bit OEM Windows, if you wish to run 64bit Windows in the future, you have to pay - it's a very clever marketing scheme from Microsoft's behalf, you get what I mean now?

I asked, you have to buy another licence.

 

I don't think you get me, I bought mine in a shop, it came packed in the box, with 32bit Windows, if I wanted 64bit, I would have to buy it from Microsoft.

 

Like I said before, the reason why the 64bits Windows is not supplied is not because of some marketing tactics or anything, it is because of the issue of software and hardware compatibility. There is simply not enough manufacturers providing 64 bits drivers and as such, if you upgrade to it, you will find yourself restricted to a very limited number of hardware and peripherials which you can use.

At the same time, there is also software compatibility issues as the 64 bits OS requires very strict compliances to Microsoft Vista rules and even some of Microsofts program are not compatible. Thus you will find yourself using only a limited number of programs.

It is because of the issue of compatibility that is why the consumer market computers are shipped with 32bits Operating System. I mean it makes commonsense really, it would be bad if the computer manufacturer shipped with the 64 bits Windows Vista and then they get 90% of their customers coming back to them complaining about software and hardware don't work with their Windows. It is not like if you install Windows Vista 64 bits now and all your program and hardware would work as it is. You probably find yourself pulling your hair trying to find software and drivers to work with the 64 bits Windows.

Give it probably something like another 5 more years or so because developers start compiling their software for the 64 bits platform.

I sure hope you understand what I am saying here. In short, it is all about Software and Hardware Compatibility.

People who uses the 64 bits Windows would use their computer for very specific work, probably running only 1 or 2 software native to that platform.

 

OK thanks for the brilliant answer, but all I can't understand is that my friend has 64bit Windows XP and he just runs the 32bit versions of software which doesn't work with 64bit, that's the only thing that baffles me now.

Anyway it doesn't matter, I got my answer a long time ago.