Meaning and Differences between Windows 32-bit and Windows 64-bit


But which better between them? It depends for what you use computer, if you want the computer to work more efficiently to increase speed, then you are suggested to use 64-bit version. But if you play games or use many different software, then you better to use 32-bit versions, because until now many games or software that only supports 32-bit version.

We often see Windows 32-Bit or 64-Bit if we are going to download a software on the internet. The terms of 32-bit and 64-bit are Windows edition.

Windows XP 64-Bit Edtion logo.

Differences between them. basically refers to the technology of processing the computer process. Each has different way how the processor handle the information and using Random Access Memory (RAM) effectiveness. The 64-bit can address the data in memory better than 32-bit does, so 64-bit will be able to process data faster than 32-bit if they are compared in the same RAM size.

The other differences relate to memory accessibility, memory management, and enhanced security features. For example, the security features that are available in the 64-bit versions of Windows Vista include the following:
  • Kernel Patch Protection
  • Support for hardware-backed Data Execution Protection (DEP)
  • Mandatory driver signing
  • Removal of support for 32-bit drivers
  • Removal of the 16-bit subsystem
Windows 7 / 64-bit compatibility logo
 You can only install the 64-bit version in a computer that has 64-bit processor, meanwhile the 32-bit version can be installed in either 64-bit or 32-bit processor.


And also if you use many different hardware such as flash disk, game controllers, and so on, you are advised to use 32-bit version because a lot of hardware has only 32-bit drivers. In addition, you must install digitally signed hardware drive only on a 64-bit version to enhanced security of the computer.

These are the main differences example between the 32-bit versions of Windows Vista and the 64-bit versions of Windows Vista
ArchitectureWindows Vista, 32-bit versions Windows Vista, 64-bit versions
System requirements 
1-gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 64-bit (x64) processor, 512 MB of RAM 		1-GHz 64-bit (x64) processor, 1 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)
Memory access
A 32-bit version of Windows Vista can access up to 4 GB of RAM		A 64-bit version of Windows Vista can access from 1 GB of RAM to more than 128 GB of RAM.
Memory access per editionAll 32-bit versions of Windows Vista can access up to 4 GB of RAM.
Windows Vista Home Basic - 8 GB of RAM
Windows Vista Home Premium - 16 GB of RAM
Windows Vista Business - 128 GB of RAM or more
Windows Vista Enterprise - 128 GB of RAM or more
Windows Vista Ultimate - 128 GB of RAM or more
DEP
32-bit versions of Windows Vista use a software-based version of DEP.		64-bit versions of Windows Vista support hardware-backed DEP.
Kernel Patch Protection (PatchGuard)This feature is not available in 32-bit versions of Windows Vista.
This feature is available in 64-bit versions of Windows Vista. Kernel Patch Protection helps prevent a malicious program from updating the Windows Vista kernel. This feature works by helping to prevent a kernel-mode driver from extending or replacing other kernel services. Also, this feature helps prevent third-party programs from updating (patching) any part of the kernel.
Driver signing
Unsigned drivers may
be used with 32-bit versions of Windows Vista.		64-bit versions of Windows Vista require that all device drivers be digitally signed by the developer.
32-bit driver support
32-bit versions of Windows Vista support 32-bit drivers that are designed for Windows Vista.		64-bit versions of Windows Vista do not support 32-bit device drivers.
16-bit program support
32-bit versions of Windows Vista support 16-bit programs, in part.		64-bit versions of Windows Vista do not support 16-bit programs


Table is taken from Microsoft Official Page.

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