Software Programs & Drivers - What runs on 32-bit or 64-bit computers?

Still confused about what the terms 32-bit and 64-bit are all about. Simply these numbers refer to the way our computer's processor or brain (what you hear referred to as the CPU), handles information.

64-bit handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) much more quickly and effectively than a 32-bit system

Most programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows will work on a computer running 64-bit versions of Windows, however major exceptions to this are:

• many (if not most) antivirus programs and
• some hardware drivers, including those for flash drives and printers

Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows don't work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows.
So if you aren’t sure or need help updating drivers or other troubleshooting issues with drivers for 64-bit versions of Windows, contact the manufacturer of the device or program

For more information before you upgrade to Windows 7, or about 32-bit vs 64-bit, check out microsoft's info site:

href="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/system-requirements.aspx">http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/system-requirements.aspx

WHAT DO THE TERMS 32-BIT AND 64 BIT MEAN?

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) more effectively than a 32-bit system. To see if your computer is running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows, do the following:

1. Open System by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking System
2. Under System, you can view the system type

To run a 64-bit version of Windows, your computer must have a 64-bit-capable processor. If you are unsure whether your processor is 64-bit-capable, do the following:

1. Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, and then clicking Performance Information and Tools
2. Click View and print details
3. In the System section, you can see what type of operating system you're currently running under System type, and, under 64-bit capable, whether you can run a 64-bit version of Windows. (If your computer is already running a 64-bit version of Windows, you won't see the 64-bit capable listing.)
4. 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
5. Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows. If you are unsure whether there is a 64-bit driver available for your device, go online to www.microsoft.com and search for the Windows Vista Compatibility Center