Windows 7 64 or 32 what should I use?

[AreilDelphinus]

Hello

I have multiple questions and I was hopeing that someone out there could give me a hand.

Hubby when he built me a new computer got me windows 7 professional and I am confused if I should use 64 bit or 32 bit?
My computer is a quad core with 4 gigs of ram. I am running a ASUS motherboard (M4N82) and a Nivida Gforce 9800 video card (will probably be running 2 linked video cards both will be the same). I mainly use the computer to play Everquest 2 and Sims 3.

Currently I am running 64 bit. But noticed a wierd thing that on my computer I have both icons for internet explorer 64 bit and 32 bit (which of those should I use) should I have both?

I also noticed that I have 2 sets of program files "Program Files" and then "Program Files x86", is this normal? If not how do I fix?

Thank you for your time

 

[seekermeister]

It is normal to have both Program Files folders. Install x64 programs in Program Files and x32 programs in Program Files(x86). Usually, the default location that a program chooses is the right one.

 

[AreilDelphinus]

Thank you and which internet explorer should I use the regular one or the one that says 64 bit?

 

[Thorsen]

I would say stay with 64x as you have 4G of RAM.

Technical info: 32x doesn't allow for the user to use all of the 4G of Ram and instead the user is able to access only ~3.2G of it. This is due to Hardware allocation.

The 64x windows runs 64x programs natively, but also runs any 32x programs.

As seekmeister stated. the setup you have is normal.

I have not seen two icons for internet explorer, but I think the 64x one isnt supported with some things. I am using firefox and have IE, but i dont know what it is set up as.

There are also a lot of tutorials on this forum and lots of people who can help with any problems.

 

[severedsolo]

personally, i recommend using the 32 bit version of internet explorer, there are no 64 bit flash plugins and such, so alot of online content won't work specifically videos

 

[whs]

personally, i recommend using the 32 bit version of internet explorer, there are no 64 bit flash plugins and such, so alot of online content won't work specifically videos

That is the determining factor. You will most likely need the flash one day or another - thus 32bit.

 

[KazeNoKoe23]

If you meet these qualifications, use 64-bit:

1. Your PC has 4 GB of RAM. 64-bit Windows can run with less but there's no benefit in doing so.
2. Make sure all your hardware has 64-bit drivers. This includes printers and the like.
3. Your processor is 64-bit. This is usually a given with any PC made since 2005.

Also, stick with the 32-bit IE until Adobe decides to not be *ssholes and develops a 64-bit version of Flash for Windows.

 

[alphanumeric]

By default windows 7 will use the 32 bit version of IE so you really don't have to worry about which version to use. The decision is already made for you by Microsoft. 7 x64 comes with both versions so the icons for both are in the start menu and you can play around with the 64 bit version if you like. If you are already 64 bit I wouldn't worry about going back to 32 bit unless you have a problem somebody here can't fix. It would have to be pretty bad to make me go back. I'd buy a new printer or what ever before that happens.

 

[dolittle]

I would go with the 64 bit. I like it a lot. Most programs will run weather they are 64 or 32 bit versions. You can always go back to 32 if you don't like 64 bit. Hope you enjoy windows 7 ( what ever flavor).