32bit vs 64bit programs

Leroyjenkins79 · 01 Oct 2011

I've been using 32 bit OS's for a while, frankly because i've never had more than 4gig. Now i've just upgraded to 8 gig, so I need to up to 7 64 bit.

Now, I know along with needing a 64 bit version of windows, I need a 64 bit capable processor and devices that have 64 bit drivers.

I thought it was just the three things above, but now that i'm paying attention, i'm seeing some programs that have a 64 bit version. My question is do all my programs have to be a 64 bit version to work? I have a lot of applications, but a good portion don't have a 32 bit and a 64 bit version. It doesn't even differentiate between the two.

I'm kinda hoping that all 32 bit programs work on win 7 64, but 64 bit programs are designed for that architeture and run better? Is that correct?

Sorry for the rookie question, just never needed to care before.

logicearth · 01 Oct 2011

The 64 bit version of Windows runs most 32 bit applications. some may not work depending on what they do.

rraod · 01 Oct 2011

One a Windows 7 x64 OS,

Most of the 32 bit programs gets installed in Program Files (x86) and works OK. Some of them do not work properly. These can be run in XP mode which is available for Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate. Or you can use some third party VM software to run a XP VM to run non compatible programs.

Leroyjenkins79 · 01 Oct 2011

Excellent, thanks all.

kado897 · 01 Oct 2011

In fact in a lot of cases the 32bit program works better than its 64bit version because of the greater amount of development. I have found some 64bit versions of programs to be unstable.

rraod · 02 Oct 2011

What is the reason 64 bit programs not as stable as 32 bit programs?

Is it because 64 bit programming is not matured yet as 32 bit programming?

Or lack of programming tools in 64 bit programming platform?

Or the complexity of programming in 64 bit is more than 32 bit? If that is the case, did the programmers faced similar problems when migrated from 16 bit to 32 bit programming?

Will there be any evolution of ground breaking technologies due to 64 bit computing?

Are we going to use 64 bit computing in mobile technologies like smart phones and tablets, now that people are showing more interest in mobile computing?

Is 64 bit computing going to change the way we use internet (More security for online financial transactions and virus free environment etc...)

kado897 · 02 Oct 2011

rraod said:

What is the reason 64 bit programs not as stable as 32 bit programs?

Is it because 64 bit programming is not matured yet as 32 bit programming?

x64 programs have not been around as long so the technology is less developed but I think that the main reason is that most are quick conversions of x86 programs they are not developed specifically for the platform. Even with MS Office the recommendation is to use the x86 version unless you have a specific need for the larger address space and IE x64 is a joke which has only recently got a beta version of Flash. This will change however as more people use the x64 versions of Windows.

lhorwinkle · 02 Oct 2011

Leroyjenkins79: When you say you're upgrading ... are you buying a new computer, or modifying the one that you already own?

If it's the latter ... don't do it. You'd have to replace nearly EVERYTHING. Sure, you can reuse the DVD drive, and MAYBE the P/S. Everything else will need to be replaced. So just buy a new computer. Much easier.