First, what’s a bit?  A bit, or “binary digit,” is basically how a computer stores and makes references to data, memory, etc. A bit can have a value of 1 or 0. A 32 bit processor can handle numbers as large as 4,294,967,295 while a 64-bit machine can go up to 18,446,744,073,709,551,615. This means that your computer can use larger numbers, and be more efficient with smaller numbers.

The main differences between the 32-bit and 64 bit versions of Windows relate to memory accessibility, memory management, and enhanced security features.

One of the greatest advantages of using a 64-bit version of Windows is the ability to access physical memory (RAM) that is above the 4-gigabyte (GB) range. Physical memory greater than 4GB is not addressable by 32-bit versions of Windows.  Depending on the version of Windows you are using, a 64-bit version of Windows supports from 1 GB of RAM to more than 128 GB of RAM. The ability to address more physical memory lets Windows minimize the time that is required to swap processes in and out of physical memory. Therefore, Windows can manage processes more efficiently. This memory management feature helps improve the overall performance of Windows.

You cannot simply upgrade your OS to the 64 bit version.  You must completely reinstall.  But before that, you have to verify that all of your hardware devices are compatible with the new environment and that their manufacturer offers 64 bit drivers.  Also, to take full advantage of the new OS, you must obtain 64 bit versions of your software.  Your current 32 bit programs will still run, but they will not be running as efficiently as if they were 64 bit.

It’s inevitable that eventually, all processors intended for desktop PCs will be 64 bit.  But unless you are running highly CPU-intensive applications such as CAD or high end video editing software, you should probably stick with a 32 bit version of Windows and concentrate on making it faster through additional memory, quicker hard drives, etc.

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