Hi. I am a home user using MS Office, Quicken, TurboTax, Adobe Photo Shop,an HP printer and the like. I also have a weather station. All of this works well using 32 bit but I am wondering if there would be any advantage to using 64. I am not a gamer.
Obviously I am not technically advanced with this stuff but have been using Win 7 now since it was offered with virtually no problems.
TIA, Hank
If the 32 bit version works fine for you and you're happy with < 4G RAM, then there is no need to go 64 bit yet. Sooner or later, 64 bit extensions will replace 32 bit extensions, as 32 bit replaced 16 bit. Pretty much all Intel & AMD processors all support 64 bit applications. However, 64 bit apps are not real mainstream. If you need / want to run >4G RAM, then 64 bit OS is the way to go.
My interest in W-7 is the 64 bit version. I run a 4G RAM and will not rule out running more RAM as I upgrade eventually. Intel's x58 chipset easily runs 6G RAM. It's a matter of time until mainstream software starts catching up to hard ware. PC gaming will always push hard ware limits.
Hello Hank,
Welcome to the Seven Forums.
Generally speaking, if you have 3GB of Ram or less, stick with 32bit. If you have 4 or more, go 64 bit. Most programs that run in 7 x86 will also run in 7 x64. This might help. 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions - Windows Vista Help
Gary
Wow, I can't believe how many still use x86 processors, and those who have a 64bit CPU, and wants to use x86. We are taking too long to convert people!
So many threads on this topic.
I can't wait for 128, lol
Lol. M$ should just change completely over to x64 bit and not tell anyone unless they ask.... No one would even know if they werent someone like us.
~Lordbob
I installed Windows7 32-bit and used it until last week. Then I installed Windows7 64-bit because I get to try it for free. Only one of my programs didn't run and it was a non-essential program I've had for years. All of my hardware runs fine. I suspect once it's no longer a beta there will be better drivers.
I have two programs that are designed for 64-bit operation and they run great. I have 4Gb of RAM and should receive another 4Gb tomorrow. RAM is pretty cheap now.
There are a whole world of 32-bit machines out there. I know it's a shock but the U.S., U.K., and Australia aren't the world. I live in Oaxaca, Mexico, and don't know anyone personally with a 64-bit capable computer.
I bet all the people you know are still using XP as well and have no intention of buying Windows 7 and if they ever do they will probably be purchasing it along side or included with a new x64 capable computer. As you have found out, there are some nice benefits of going x64, even in Mexico and the rest of the World x64 computers do exist.
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