32 bit vs 64 bit?

All other things being equal, which is better , and why?

Thanks so much.
Bill

What is the realistic amount of RAM usable with 32 bit?

Somewhere between 3 GB and 4 GB. Normally, one would install 4 GB to get the maximum usable RAM which will be between 3 GB and 4 GB. A 64 bit system will allow as much RAM as your motherboard will support but 8 GB to 16 GB is what is most commonly installed. Very few users will ever need more than that unless they do extreme multitasking, intensive video editing, or run RAM disks. Unless you have a really old system, there is no point in limiting yourself to 32 bit.

The bigger question is...what's your fear of 64 bit, or what is your argument against it? For most people, there's no decision to be made. 64 bit has been the default for me for about 6 years or so now, and I'd expect most to be that or a little less.

For all of Vista's perceived faults, it did usher in the norm of 64 bit on the desktop.

There is almost no reason not to go with a 64-bit OS anymore.

I think a reason some stay with 32 bit is to run the old 16 bit programs they are fond of. We have moved along so long that 64 bit is a big improvement and beside using more memory uses more sophistacated programs. We can still use 32 bit programs and there's no sense sticking with 16 bit programs anymore.

Wrenches said:

I think a reason some stay with 32 bit is to run the old 16 bit programs they are fond of.

If that is an absolute requirement, then you know those old apps have low system requirements...and would run wonderfully in a virtual machine.

I'm surprised that Microsoft still distributes a 32-bit version of Windows 7. They won't sell XP any longer, which many people would prefer, but they support a 32-bit version of a current OS.

Why?

For people upgrading to Win 7 on older machines?