32 bit or 64 bit Win 7 Home Premium

[quintain]

Hi every one
I am setting up a new computer and I have the both 32 & 64 bit Win 7 Home Premium available to me. What is the best version to use.

I will need to use additional software dating back 5 or so years.
The main computer use will be office and graphics ( property plans etc).

I would welcome all advice please (I have only used 32 bit systems to date)

quintain

 

[richc46]

With 3 gb of ram you are sitting on the fence.
The old software may be a problem, you may want to stick with 32 bit

Most 32 bit programs can be run on 64 bit. If very old and they are 16 bit, they cannot run on 64 bit.

 

[quintain]

Thanks for your very quick response Richc46.
32 does appear to be my default position especially with the older programmes.

 

[richc46]

Look at the program DVD, is it 16, or 32? If they are 32 you can take a chance, but it may not be worth it with 3GB ram, even though you can buy more in the future. I can just give facts the way I see them, in the final analysis, it is your call. Good luck


Most 32 bit will work on 64 bit OS.

 

[Merlin2000]

There is NO reason to go with a 64 bit OS if you are not going to utilize more than 4GB ram.

You will see no real benefit, but you will deal with all of the problems associated with the 64bit Windows 7 that has not had enough time to fully mature.

Win 7 x64 is not fully matured imo. You may be able to find workarounds for a lot of programs, so you're system will still work, but it's the trouble it brings that may or may not be worth it.

I personally upgraded to Win 7 x64. My reason to upgrade was because I was using up all my 4GB ram in the 32 bit version.

For the average, everyday user, Win 7 x64 provides no real benefit. For power hungry slobs like myself, it helps

 

[quintain]

Thanks dfs, merlin & rich

Your prompt replies have directed me to using 32-bit.

I think this thread is completed satisfactory BUT I cannot see how to give each of you a rating and official thanks???

 

[richc46]

Thanks dfs, merlin & rich

Your prompt replies have directed me to using 32-bit.

I think this thread is completed satisfactory BUT I cannot see how to give each of you a rating and official thanks???

You have given us a thanks and its appreciated by all. If you want to give a rating, just click on the upper right of your screen, the middle icon, (its a scale that looks like a snow flake). You will get a prompt that will allow you to write your opinion.