64 bit OS v/s 32 bit OS

[firefox]

What's the real advantage of running a 64 bit OS on a 64 bit hardware over running a 32 Bit OS on the same hardware ?

[alsenior]

The only Real advantage for most people at the moment is access to ram above the ~4GB ceiling.

[shbris]

signed drivers, ram pro
some patchy driver support con

no reason to use a 32bit OS in this day and age though, get on board

[synaesthesia]

Seconded, should be moving forward, not backward. Unfortunately for some reliable 64 bit computing means Vista rather than the still-shoddy XP 64, but with Windows 7 around the corner that may be less of an issue.

[Cov]

There is important platform shift—from 32-bit to 64-bit—happening now in the computer industry.
After years of slowly changing the mix from 32-bit to 64-bit systems, PC manufacturers are dramatically increasing production of 64-bit PCs—computers running a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista, typically with 4GB or more of memory.

We have been working on this transition for years.
So why the sudden uptick?
With recent drops in memory prices, PC manufacturers can produce a 64-bit PC that's priced competitively against a 32-bit PC.
The choice of operating system isn't a cost factor—64-bit editions of Windows Vista are the same price as 32-bit versions.
And you need to have a 64-bit edition to take advantage of more than 3GB of memory.
We've seen the adoption rate of 64-bit editions of Windows Vista triple in the U.S. over the last three months and more than double worldwide during the same period.
All indications show that the rate of adoption will continue to accelerate.

Microsoft

Vista x64 Pros:

Security
Kernel Patch Protection (PatchGuard) is probably the most interesting security-related feature of Vista x64.
It prevents unauthorized software from modifying the kernel. This reduces the risk that malware, especially rootkits, infects your system.

Reliability
In Vista x64 only signed drivers can be installed (Mandatory Kernel Module and Driver Signing).
This means that kernel mode software requires a digital signature from Microsoft.

Performance
A computer with a 64-bit CPU is supposed to be more powerful than one with a 32-bit processor. Of course, you need a 64-bit OS to utilize its 64-bit capabilities. The problem is, not only that the OS, but also the applications must support 64 bit to improve performance.

Memory
The 32 bit editions of Vista only support 4 GB RAM. With Vista x64, you can use up to 128 GB , if your hardware supports it.

[Stringent]

Depends what you are running. If you are in a public sector business then 32 bit is the main. Most public sector programs don't recognise 64bit and will not run properly. I have to run 32bit Vista at work because of this reason. Even more oddly, Vista isn't even supported by our MIS system which is one of the main ones despite Vista being out a few years. I had to fiddle to get it to work! Even Office 2007 isn't supported officially! Stupid.

For home use, 64bit should be fine.

[Leggie]

Programs that have been specifically designed for 64-bit can take advantage of the architecture, especially the increased access to memory, to improve performance, at least in theory. For instance, Sony Vegas Pro 8.1 - only for 64-bit - is supposed to improve rendering times as well as general performance.

I've already used 64-bit Linux distros, and I'm definitely going to jump on board 64-bit Windows when I next upgrade.

[sibeer]

I have been trying to argue that Vista 64 is fine for about 12 months now. It had some problems with a desperate lack of drivers on release, but a mixture of systems moving forward and better support no mean it would be silly to install anything else on most new systems. If you are building or refurbing a lower spec system then use XP, it will be faster and supports more old hardware. With current pricing though a 4GB Vista 64 capable system can be built for under £200.

[aidanjt]

I could give a pedantic boring introduction to x86_64 architecture and what it means. But suffice to say, the architecture is faster, smarter, safer, and easier to develop for. Just a pity that hardly anyone is bothering with it.

[TAKTAK]

Originally Posted by sibeer

I have been trying to argue that Vista 64 is fine for about 12 months now. It had some problems with a desperate lack of drivers on release, but a mixture of systems moving forward and better support no mean it would be silly to install anything else on most new systems. If you are building or refurbing a lower spec system then use XP, it will be faster and supports more old hardware. With current pricing though a 4GB Vista 64 capable system can be built for under £200.

^^ this

The main noticable thing being a 32bit OS has a maximum addressable memory space of 4GB, and that is for everything...
64bit increases that cap slightly () to 16TB

[Cov]

Have you installed Service Pack 2 for Vista yet ?

Service Pack 2 for Vista x86 Version
Service Pack 2 for Vista x64 version

[Splash]

Originally Posted by Cov

Have you installed Service Pack 2 for Vista yet ?

Service Pack 2 for Vista x86 Version
Service Pack 2 for Vista x64 version

Bear in mind that those are NOT final releases

[directhex]

Originally Posted by Splash

Bear in mind that those are NOT final releases

And may eat your hamster

[Zak33]

I've just gone, in one huge leap, from XPPro 32bit to Vista 64bit



BUT... I have lots of techy mates helping me to sort stuff.

My advice though, is keep your OLD HARD DRIVE, with your reliable, well known OS on it, and switch back when you need to get stuff done fast for work etc, cos Vista takes a long time to learn. Just finding Add Remove programs took me over 5 minutes! My top class sound card just wont work, so it's now redundant, but my games all work very well, albeit with rappy onbaord sound currently.

As an OS, 64bit Vista is very fast. Windows pop open like lightning, and stuff so far is pretty good. Window key works hugely better, and doesnt lock things up, for example

And dont switch until you have plenty of time on your hands.

[WhiteGiant]

Not had a problem with either XP64 or (to my surprise) Vista64 apart from finding drivers for old/odd hardware. Very happy with Vista64 at the mo.

[Tumble]

Not only does it let you use more RAM, it improves the way your CPU talks to that RAM - a 64bit CPU running a 32bit OS is choked - it's like all your life travelling on just the left 3 lanes of the motorway, and then being told that the whole road is one way, so all of a sudden you've got 6 lanes to use - more space for the traffic to sit in ~ more space for more simultaneous calculations to sit in