what are the main differences between 32-bit & 64-bit versions of windows?

Question

i recently bought a audio interface who's drivers do not work on a 64-bit system. from what i gather, the 64-bit version of the drivers do not exist. my only option seems to be to change down to a 34-bit version of windows. i vaguely understand the difference with > 4gb & < 4gb. but would be great if someone knew the main differences.

i want to use this audio interface with my current laptop, but would you recommend changing to 34-bit? or should i just get my money back?

the audio interface is a numark omni control.
i am using vista. my laptop is less than a year old.

Answer 1

The main difference is the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory) the OS (Operating System) can access. In 32-bit versions of windows, the OS can only access 3.25 - 3.5 Gb (Gigabytes) of ram. With a 64-bit OS, you can access much much more :) you may run into a few compatibility problems here and there, but if you go to the manufacturer's site, you should be able to find a compatible driver. You may also want to run a winows update, that may solve your problem automatically.



The general rule is, the more ram you have, the faster your OS and applications will run.

Answer 2

Windows is not a cheap program, and you have the 64-bit Windows which is significantly better than the 32-bit system. The 64-bit system can handle and process twice as much information as the 32-bit system, therefore you will see a significant difference in the operation of your more advanced programs if you downgrade. So to downgrade to 32-bit would ultimately disappoint you in the long run and it'll cost you about $100 to do so. I would get a new audio program or contact the company to see if they have or will release a driver for the 64-bit system. Hope this helps

Answer 3

First of all, Hi!



64 bits is better than 32 bits, because the computer can handle more information at the same time.



If your laptop have more than 3 GB of RAM, then with 32 bits windows only can recognize 3 GB of RAM, you are going to loose RAM if you have more than 3 GB.



Did you try to install that driver?



If no, maybe it can work. Because windows 64 bits can emulate 32 bits software.



I hope helped you.



Best wishes,

Carlos.

Answer 4

Some of the benefits of a 64-bit OS is the amount of RAM that can be utilized by the system. However, you have obviously found one of the detractors.



Unfortunately there is a smattering of software that just doesn't work with 64 bit architecture. 32 bit is fine for most people, even if it only supports 4gig of ram.



Even as a gamer, I use the 32 bit OS primarily because of the compatibility issues.

Answer 5

A 32-Bit version of windows is designed to work on systems with 32-Bit processors. A 64-Bit version is one that is designed to work on 64-Bit processors. You could install a 32-bit version of windows, but that would cost you more money. If you really want the drivers then get a 32-bit operating system. Or you could try installing it on your computer.

Answer 6

Most programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows will work on a computer running 64-bit versions of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs, and some hardware drivers.



http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/41531554-d5ef-4f2c-8fb9-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx#EDH

Answer 7

32 bit hardware will never work with a 64 bit computer!

Answer 8

http://www.softwaretipsandtricks.com/windowsxp/articles/581/1/The-difference-between-64-and-32-bit-processors