Install 32 bit or 64 bit?

**jdc2000** · July 11th, 2009, 05:27 PM

For those who have installed Windows 7, would you recommend installng the 32 bit or 64 bit version for testing? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

**bistro** · July 11th, 2009, 05:52 PM

I'm running the 64-bit version and have had no problems with it. 64-bit is really the way to go. 64-bit is more secure and can manage larger amounts of memory better than 32-bit.

**photolady** · July 11th, 2009, 06:48 PM

Ditto what bistro said. I'm running 64bit but a bit of problems on my end. Some software that is 32bit won't work. But these are older versions I got when I had win98, so I suspect that is the reason why. Other than that, I've had no problems and it picks up my 4gigs of memory installed.

**bistro** · July 11th, 2009, 10:32 PM

A good example would be the "new" i7 motherboards. They have triple-channel memory...that means a minimum of 6GB RAM. With 32-bit, it will not recognize that much memory....64-bit will.

It may take awhile, but eventually all the software developers will have to get on the bandwagon and make everything 64-bit; it is inevitable. 32-bit is getting very old.

**SuperSparks** · July 12th, 2009, 10:52 AM

I've been running Vista x64 since the early betas and I've had virtually no problems to speak of. Win 7 x64 is even better still as there are plenty of drivers for it. 64-bit is definitely the way to go

**Shinma** · July 16th, 2009, 09:22 PM

Presuming your hardware is current.
Ditto to 64 bit.
"In for a penny, in for a pound"

**jdc2000** · July 16th, 2009, 11:30 PM

Thanks for the info, all. I'll let you know what I decide. Any additional comments are welcome.

**boots** · July 17th, 2009, 08:28 AM

Other than the memory issue are there any other reasons to choose 64 bit over 32 bit? Is the extra expense, small as it might be, justified by what the average user will see on the screen and feel on the keyboard?

**SuperSparks** · July 17th, 2009, 10:50 AM

Vista 64-bit is more secure for a number of reasons. It insists on using signed drivers for a start, as well as other baked in security features that aren't present in 32-bit. Plus the fact that a lot of malware can't install on x64, though that will change when it becomes really popular, of course.

**Shinma** · July 18th, 2009, 12:06 AM

Originally Posted by boots

Other than the memory issue are there any other reasons to choose 64 bit over 32 bit? ...

Following article may be of interest,
Pros and cons

Keep in mind that, at last check, for power users, 4 GB of memory is now the minimum norm.

**Phil K** · July 19th, 2009, 06:17 AM

I've just pre-ordered Home Premium 7 - does this offer 32 AND 64 ?

**SpywareDr** · July 19th, 2009, 07:03 AM

Store.Microsoft.com: Windows 7 Home Premium
http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft...oduct/B0F9E641

This product includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

**Midknyte** · July 19th, 2009, 07:07 AM

http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/buy...der-ended.aspx

Home Premium, Pro, and Ultimate:

This product includes both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

**Phil K** · July 19th, 2009, 04:08 PM

Thanking you both

**SpywareDr** · July 20th, 2009, 04:54 AM

You're welcome.

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