Tip: The 32-Bit/64-Bit Memory Crash Course

Some people mistakenly expect that switching from a 32-bit to 64-bit system doubles the speed of a machine. That’s not quite true, but there are some significant advantages:

• 64-bit systems can access more than 17 billion GB of system memory, compared to only 4 GB for a 32-bit system.
• 64-bit systems allow data to be processed in larger chunks, increasing efficiency.
• 64-bit systems address or point to more locations at once, improving multitasking.
• While many software applications are 32-bit, new processors are typically 64-bit.
• Most 32-bit applications work fine on 64-bit Windows, though antivirus programs and device drivers can be incompatible.

We welcome your comments about the articles on the Staples Business Hub. Please follow these simple rules when submitting your comments: Do not mention our competitors, the price you paid for products, URLs, or your personally identifiable information (such as your full name or address). Be considerate and courteous. Do not attack or insult other users, use violent language, or engage in name-calling. These types of comments will be removed. Our moderation team may read comments before they are displayed.