Friday, June 17, 2011

Differences and Advantages Between 32-bit (x86) VS 64-bit (x64) Windows Vista

Differences and Advantages Between 32-bit (x86) VS 64-bit (x64) Windows Vista

Each editions of Windows Vista operating system is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions (x86 anx x64 are terms used by Microsoft), making 64-bit OS option now a widely available choice. And with almost all CPU processor and motherboard nowadays is x64 based which capable of running 64-bit OS, it presents hard decision to consumers to decide and pick whether 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Windows Vista is suitable choice.

Microsoft publishes KB946765 which details the main differences between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista, which mainly relate to memory accessibility, memory management, and enhanced security features, as listed in table below.


Architecture Windows Vista, 32-bit versionsWindows Vista, 64-bit versions
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)
Memory access A 32-bit version of Windows Vista can access up to 4 GB of RAM. A 64-bit version of Windows Vista can access from 1 GB of RAM to more than 128 GB of RAM.
Memory access per edition All 32-bit versions of Windows Vista can access up to 4 GB of RAM. Windows Vista Home Basic – 8 GB of RAM
Windows Vista Home Premium – 16 GB of RAM
Windows Vista Business – 128 GB of RAM or more
Windows Vista Enterprise – 128 GB of RAM or more
Windows Vista Ultimate – 128 GB of RAM or more
DEP 32-bit versions of Windows Vista use a software-based version ofDEP. 64-bit versions of Windows Vista support hardware-backed DEP.
Kernel Patch Protection (PatchGuard) This feature is not available in 32-bit versions of Windows Vista. This feature is available in 64-bit versions of Windows Vista. KernelPatch Protection helps prevent a malicious program from updating the Windows Vista kernel. This feature works by helping to prevent a kernel-mode driver from extending or replacing other kernel services. Also, this feature helps prevent third-party programs from updating (patching) any part of the kernel.
Driver signing Unsigned drivers may be used with 32-bit versions of Windows Vista. 64-bit versions of Windows Vista require that all device drivers be digitally signed by the developer.
32-bit driver support 32-bit versions of Windows Vista support 32-bit drivers that are designed for Windows Vista. 64-bit versions of Windows Vista do not support 32-bit device drivers.
16-bit program support 32-bit versions of Windows Vistasupport 16-bit programs, in part. 64-bit versions of Windows Vista do not support 16-bit programs.

If you value the benefits and advantages of switching and embracing 64-bit Windows Vista, here's a few considerations to ponder before making the move to install x64 Windows Vista:

  • 64-bit device drivers may not be available for one or more devices in the computer.
  • Device drivers must be digitally signed.
  • 32-bit device drivers are not supported.
  • 32-bit programs may not be fully compatible with a 64-bit operating system.
  • It may be difficult to locate programs that are written specifically for a 64-bit operating system.
  • Not all hardware devices may be compatible with a 64-bit version of Windows Vista.

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