Windows 7 - Win7 x64 question about program files

I am jumping into the 64bit OS this weekend. I have already installed it (Windows 7 RTM x64) and started to install a few programs. I noticed that there are two folders: Program Files and Program Files (x86). When I install software, does the OS know which folder to use?
Second question: I usually install the OS on C: and programs into a folder I create on the D: drive. Can I still do this with Windows 7 x64 and do I need to create 2 folders on the D: drive?

Hello Donny,

Yes, Windows 7 will know which folder to install the program in by default. The C:\Program Files folder is for 64-bit (x64) programs, and C:\Program Files (x86) folder is for 32-bit (x86) programs.

If the program gives you an option to select where to install it at, then you can select a location of you choice on the D drive to install it on. However, programs install more files than just what is in one of the Program Files folders, and often have files installed all over the place for user settings and etc.....

Hope this helps,
Shawn