Nov 25 2008
Windows Vista 32 Bit Or 64 Bit?
As each month passes by, Windows Vista 64 Bit Operating System is becoming more mainstream and is even being installed on many computers in big box stores like Best Buy. The time has come to have a short evaluation on the pros and cons of both.
Drivers is one of the most important aspects when deciding to move to a 64 Bit platform. Make sure all of your current hardware devices like printers, webcams and scanners have a 64 Bit version. Don’t forget to check internal device drivers also, for instance ethernet and sound components that are usually built-in to the motherboard. Lastly, check your current software that you use and make sure it will run on a 64 Bit OS. There are two main reasons you will want to move to 64 Bit.
- You can install more than 4 gigabytes of RAM.
- Windows Vista 64 Bit requires signed drivers which in effect makes the OS more secure and stable.
Windows Vista 32 Bit is still the standard that most manufacturers and publishers design for, which will provide you with the most compatibility and backwards compatibility with older Windows versions. To date, most hardware and software is fully functional with Windows Vista 32 Bit. Microsoft has done a great job getting the performance and compatibility with Vista 32 Bit since its launch.
The next version of Microsoft’s OS will be called Windows 7 and will continue the cycle of offering both 32 and 64 Bit versions. So there is no need to rush off into 64 Bit computing if the advantages don’t outweigh the negatives. Eventually Microsoft will release a Windows version (probably the next version following Windows 7) that will only be 64 Bit. But until then, the choice is in the users hands.
