Windows 7 - Windows 7 64 bit vs 32 bit

Just a general question here. I'm currently running the 32 bit version but am thinking on upgrading to 64 bit. First, what are the advantages of running one versus the other. Secondly, I see that 64 bit requires a minimum of 2 GB RAM. I have 2 GB, but if this is the minimum does that mean it REALLY needs more to run efficiently?

A 64-bit processor has more bandwidth than a 32-bit processor. Windows 7 x64 takes advantage of that, allowing more data to be processed, faster. That's why you need more RAM fir x64 than x86 (32-bit). Basically speed would be the advantage. You should really have at least 4GB of RAM though for a smooth experience.

If you ask me, 64-bit is the future. You cab still run all of your 32-bit apps and can also run any 32-bit OS inside Virtual PC (free) or any other virtualization software. Windows 7 x64 is the first truely stable, meant-for-everyday use 64-bit Windows OS. Most computer manufacturers are offering 64-bit as a standard now as well.

With 2GBs of RAM I would not upgrade. I have both, 32 and 64bit on 3 and 4GBs of RAM. I like the 32bit better because it runs all my programs which the 64bit does not.

What (good and useful) programs don't run on 64 bit Windows 7? Most open source / free software is updated frequently. commercial software mostly is on subscription and should run fine. system related software (like Acronis) more likely has the problem with Windows 7 itself if it is an older version.

While going from XP 32 to Vista 64 I got rid (or upgraded) some tools that didn't work but found much better replacments for free. Going to Windows 7 64 I needed to update some other software again (Kaspersky etc.). but the manufacturer had free updates.

Examples: the free Revo does not work (only the paid version does) nor does the AppLauncher in my sidebar - and that I use a lot.

Windows 7 64bit runs perfectly on 1GB of ram if you are a basic user. We have many machines running this way just fine. Basic = Browsing the web, Word, Excel, PDF viewing, etc. just the basics (business type of things). If you are going to do multi-media, graphics, edit photos, music etc. you will need 2GB or more. If you are going to run AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Video Editing, etc. I would go straight to 8GB.

ummm....
plus points of 64 bits
1.64 bit is also far securer and quite resilient to rootkits etc.
2.overall performance of x64 is better although x64 efficient memory management really only kicks in at 4GB and up.
3.If you just want to future-proof yourself now, then 64bit is for you.
4.x64 has features that should make the hardware perform faster.x64 is designed to use double the bit-path of x32, therefore it transfers twice the data as x32. Technically it should be faster.
downside
not all 32bit apps will run in 64. This is especially true with many security apps.

I have 2GB of ram and it runs fine. only uses 1GB and when i play games it maxes at 1.5GB.
I'd say that this ran better than windows XP.

I would be interested to know how many Hard Page Faults you get. Please have a look in Process Monitor > Memory tab when under load. You can see it on top and in the graph on the right side.

Revo...what? They have many products but I assume you mean Revo Uninstaller. It runs on my system and I'm using the free version. Compatibility issues are what skeptics (no offense) of 64-bit say should keep you from using it, which isn't true sine you have many options for running old apps that won't work. Chances are usually a program isn't compatible with 7 altogether, not just x64.