Difference between Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit

Key Difference: Vista 64-bit is an advanced version of 32-bit. The bits refer to the way a processor handles/sorts through data. A 64-bit processor is more capable of processing large amounts of data, compared to the 32-bit. The 32-bit has a 4GB RAM limitation, while a 64-bit does not.

Windows Vista is an operating system that is commercially released by Microsoft in 2007. This operating system introduced an updated graphical user interface, new layout (Aero), a new search function (search and you go), new multimedia tools, new sub-systems and more security features. It is also offered with a choice of processor size, either 32-bit or 64-bit.

 The 64-bit systems were originally launched for corporation or enterprise servers, which require capacity to handle greater loads and memory requirements. The different bits refer to the way a computer’s processor handles information. In a 32-bit, the maximum number of logical processor that can exist is 32, while in 64-bit is 64.

The 64-bit has an advantage over the 32-bit, the RAM. A 32-bit processor has a limitation of 4GB RAM, while a 64-bit processor can support anywhere between 1GB and 128GB depending on the version. Upgrading from a 32-bit to a 64-bit or vice versa can cause problems with the system. A 32-bit can be upgraded to a 32-bit, same with 64-bit. Upgrading from a 32-bit to a 64-bit, will require for the hardware to be compatible.

Which processor is better? Well, that depends on the usage. A person who has basic uses and does not require RAM to exceed 3.5GB should opt for a 32-bit, while a person who needs the system to handle greater loads of memory and RAM, should opt for a 64-bit. Further differences between the two systems can be read in the table below:

 

Vista 32-bit

Vista 64-bit

System Requirements

1-gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 64-bit (x64) processor, 512 MB of RAM

1-GHz 64-bit (x64) processor, 1 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended)

RAM Access

Can access up to 4 GB of RAM.

Can access from RAM between 1GB and 128 GB depending on the edition.

Data Execution Prevention

Uses a software-based version of DEP.

Supports hardware-backed DEP.

Kernel Patch Protection

Not available

This feature is available. Kernel Patch Protection helps prevent a malicious program from updating the Windows Vista kernel.

Driver signing

Allows users to use unsigned drivers

All drivers need to digitally signed

32-bit driver support

Supports all 32-bit version drivers

Does not support

16-bit program support

Partially support 16-bit drivers

Does not support

Problems

RAM is limited, security is minimal, speed is less than 64-bit, cannot run programs/drivers built for 64-bit

64-bit drivers may not be available for one or more devices in the system, drivers must be digitally signed, does not support 32-bit drivers/programs, locating programs specifically for 64-bit is difficult, not all hardware devices are compatible with the 64-bit system, authorization prompts

Image Courtesy:wallpaper-valley.com

Most Searched in Home and Garden Most Searched in Food and Drink
Most Searched in Beauty and Style Most Searched in Computers and Internets
Softwood vs Hardwood Plywood
Brackets vs Parentheses
Microsoft Surface Pro vs Microsoft Surface RT

Add new comment

Plain text

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.