To 64 or Not to 64, That Was My Question.

Jason | Nov 06, 2009 | Comments

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Other than a 64-bit installation of Windows XP, I have been running Windows OS’ in the dark ages for quite some time now. The last time I went through a PC upgrade, I decided to make the switch to a 64-bit processor. When I finally did have the computer built and ready to go, I decided to avoid any program or driver hassles and just stick with the Windows 7 RC 32-bit edition. With the final release of Windows 7, I decided to make the switch to 64-bit and see what all the fuss is about. I figured that Microsoft is pushing for a switch from 32 to 64-bit and even Apple has started making the move, so why not. If you have not yet installed your copy of Windows or have, but are considering changing to 64-bit while it’s still fresh, this article may be of some help from a fellow user in the exact same situation.

What advantages are there to switching to 64-bit?

The short answer is not many, right now. The 64-bit platform will not look any different from your 32-bit flavour of Windows and in some instances, may not act any different. The real advantage to a 64-bit OS is in the future. Most programs are still being written for the 32-bit OS, so we will have to wait until more programs are written to take full advantage of the 64-bit goodness. The main difference for switching to 64-bit is the amount of memory a 64-bit system allows. Older Windows versions running 32-bit mode would only allow less than 4GB of Memory (actually 3.XXGB’s). To take advantage of the higher amounts of memory, you will need to change over to a 64-bit OS.

Another advantage to switching to a 64-bit OS now is that you will be better-prepared to upgrade and install products in the future. Early reports tend to be leaning toward that notion that Windows 7 will be the final Windows version to ship with a 32-bit option, so it may be easier to adapt now and create less hassle down the road.

Some games which are written to take advantage of a 64-bit OS, like Far Cry and Crysis, can look better and run better depending on the hardware you have.

What should keep me from making the switch?

You do not have a 64-bit processor (Obvious, I know, but users like my brother, who don’t know much about the differences thought he could install Windows 7 on his 32-bit system, so I figured it was worth mentioning).
You have a 64-bit processor, but have less than 4GB of Ram. The minimum requirement for a 64-bit OS is 4GB, so you may not want to switch if you have less.
A necessary piece of software or hardware is known not to work in a 64-bit environment. It used to be the case that 64-bit drivers were few and far between, but support for 64-bit is now very good, so you shouldn’t have much of an issue. You can always check the manufacturer’s website, in advance, to see if your hardware or software supports 64-bit. (Most 32-bit software can be installed and run in a 64-bit environment)

In conclusion, I decided to make the leap because I wanted to prepare myself for the switch instead of being forced to when Windows 8 comes out. This is clearly the direction that computing is moving and it would be foolish to try and fight the current. If you can make the switch, it’s probably not a bad idea to start preparing for the future.

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