What is the difference between 32-bit and 32-bit Windows 7
Generally, we can say that 64-bit system handles the big amount of physical memory (RAM ) more effectively than the 32-bit. The 64-bit system provides a larger space for your computing. Logically 64-bit system has the capabilities of utilizing a huge amount of RAM. 64-bit Windows 7 can support up to 192 GB of physical memory, where the Windows 7 32-bit is only capable to use 3 GB RAM. That means if you install RAM more than 3 GB, it does not works in 32-bit system and the the rest of the RAM just goes wasted. In case of 64-bit system, as it handles a huge amount of physical memory length, the time of swapping the processes in the RAM is minimized. Which means that your 64-bit Windows 7 performs faster than its 32-bit version.
Kernel Patch Protection is another feature of 64-bit version which adds a better security in Windows. It prevents the malicious programs from updating or patching the Windows 7 kernel. That means any third party tool cannot modify the kernel services. This feature is not available in the 32-bit version of Windows 7. Where security is a mandatory requirement for the system, 64-bit version of Windows 7 is more preferable.
Is Windows 7 64-bit version better in performance comparing to 32-bit?
As I stated earlier that the 64-bit version utilizes an enormous amount of RAM, obviously it performs faster than the 32-bit counterpart. You can run a number of complex applications simultaneously without any inconvenience.
What are the Advantages of using 64-bit Windows 7?
1. The 64-bit version of Windows utilizes an increased memory support beyond the memory addressing range of 32-bit. Consequently it performs better.
2. The main striking feature of Windows 7 64-bit is its security and protection. It has advanced features like kernel path protection and digital signatures of 64-bit device drivers which means random crashes are minimized to a negligible level.
3. As 64-bit systems processes more information and supports greater volume of RAM you will find it more interacting while running complex applications. If you are a user of graphics applications like video editing tools, Photoshop, Games, CAD then you will be benefited if you go for a 64-bit Windows 7 operating system.
Does the 32-bit applications are ready to run in a 64-bit OS and the vice-versa?
Basically the 64-bit windows 7 operating system supports all the 32-bit applications. But all the 32-bit applications you generally use are not optimized for a 64-bit processor. Therefore, you may go disappointed with some 32-bit application in the 64-bit system.
In the other hand the 32-bit version Windows does not support 64-bit applications at all. The 64-bit applications require a well equipped system and latest hardware configuration.
Compatibility issue
Before the release of XP 64-bit, all the application was of 32-bit. But as Windows 7 promises a greater performance with the 64-bit system, the software and hardware vendors have engaged themselves in a huge effort on getting the applications and hardware, compatible with the latest 64-bit architecture.
As Microsoft is the origin of the platform supplier, they also trying to improve Windows 7 more effectively. They have launched an online Windows 7 compatibility center, where people can check out the applications which are compatible with 64-bit and which are with 32-bit.
How can you find if your system is of 64-bit architecture?
Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System from the control panel. You can see the following window where you can discover your system version.
Eventually, if you are running the 64-bit Windows 7 in your computer then you can see two folders in the Program files location. 1. Program files 2. Program Files (x86). All the programs that are compatible with 32-bit will go to the later one.
Can you upgrade your 32-bit Windows 7 to 64-bit?
No, you cannot. There are no tools or ways to upgrade the 32-bit version to 64-bit version. If your hardware manufactured with the 64-bit architecture support then you are able to install freshly a 64-bit Windows 7.
Still now majority of the applications have not the capability of taking the advantages of 64-bit architecture. Meanwhile as Windows 7 is settling in the mainstream, it is quite obvious that majority of applications will turn to 64-bit version. You can expect more people to use this version of Windows 7.
