Your processor is the deciding factor as to it being a 32 bit or 64 bit
computer. Obviously a 64 bit cpu also needs 64 bit capable motherboard.
But whether you use it as a 64 bit system or not is based on your OS. You
cannot run a 64 bit OS on a 32 bit processor, but you can do the other way
around.
One of the main reasons for choosing to run a 64 bit OS on your 64 bit
processor is to use more than 4 GB of RAM. If you have less than 4 GB, you
may as well run a 32 bit OS even if you have a 64 bit processor.
One of the issues which is far less prevalent today is because it is your OS
that talks directly to most hardware. Usually (there are exceptions), you
need to have 64 bit drivers for the hardware and they have not always been
available for older hardware.
OTOH, most 32 bit applications will run fine in a 64 bit OS unless they try
to work directly to hardware.
This machine is based on an Intel core 2 duo and has 4 GB of ram. I dual
boot 32 bit XP Pro and 64 bit Ubuntu 9.10. It has caused me no problems
whatever.
On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 10:40 PM, mike Enriquez <
mylinux@cox.net> wrote:
> I would like to hear what every one thinks about 64 bit computers. What
> makes a 64bit computer? Is it just the OS and or does a 64bit computer need
> a specific kind of motherboard and cpu? Any thing else I have left out?
> I am assuming that applications have to run in 64bit mode or they don't run
> at all.
>
> I really would appreciate your view points.
>
> Thanks
>
> Mike Enriquez
>
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--
Dazed_75 a.k.a. Larry
The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions,
that I wish it always to be kept alive.
- Thomas Jefferson
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