Few of Questions Regarding Windows 7 32 and 64-bit answered.

Window's by Microsoft's is one of the best OS system which i ever seen and some of the question which are always in mind of the Microsoft's window's user are as follow which i found in the window 7 forums and they are answered very well by one of the valuable contributor of window7forums. So the question are given below with their answers

What�s the general difference?

Well 32 and 64 bit is, in it's simplest form, a reference to the way your computers CPU (processor) uses and passes information, through both the FSB (bus) and OS itself. 64 bit has a wider memory space than 32 bit, hence being able to utilize more than 3.6 GB of RAM and provide performance benefits. For even more information: A description of the differences between 32-bit versions of Windows Vista and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista

Can I upgrade from Windows 7 32-bit to 64-bit, and vice versa?

Can you perform an "upgrade"? No. However, if your processor support 64-bit, you can backup and do a "clean installation" of Windows 7 64-bit.

How Do I know what architecture of Windows I'm using?

To check the architecture of your Windows 7, open your start menu, and proceed to type �system� into the search field (assuming you have Windows Search enabled), click the First result under �Control Panel�. What you should now see is basic information about your PC, including amount of RAM installed, the model of your CPU. Beside �System Type� will either be 32 or 64-bit operating system. If you don�t have Windows Search enabled, open the start menu, right click on �Computer� and select �Properties�.

Should I install 32-bit or 64-bit?

You can only install 64-bit if your processor is capable of it, furthermore, there will be no real benefits unless you have more than 3 GB of RAM, unless if you have programs that are specifically 64-bit only, and will not function on the 32-bit system. To check if your processor is 64-bit capable, run the Intel Processor ID Utility or the AMD Hyper-V Check Tool depending on whether you have an AMD or Intel processor. If you're unsure of whether you have an Intel or AMD processor, why are you reading this?

Will I be able to run 32-bit programs on my 64-bit PC? Vice Versa?

Yes, compatibility is almost always maintained, though 64-bit optimized usually provide performance benefits on a 64-bit platform. But if you have a program made only for 64-bit systems, you will not be able to use the program on any 32-bit platform. For 64-bit systems, in your main drive (Usually C:\), there will be two folders: �Program Files� and �Program Files (x86)�, your 32-bit programs are installed in the second folder to avoid conflicts.

What about drivers?

Unfortunately, the same fate can't be met with drivers, if you have 32-bit drivers for a 64-bit PC, you'll need to go out searching for compatible 64-bit drivers. Same goes for vice versa.

What is the memory limitation in 32-bit?

The memory �limitation� isn�t really a limitation at all. If you have 4, 6, 12 GB or more RAM on a 32-bit system, it�s still �usable� just not by you for your programs, it�s typically used by graphics card and other overhead functions/devices. There is of course a way to make that RAM utilizable for your everyday programs, but I won�t post that here as it can cause conflicts and problems.

Source:WINDOW7FORUMS

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