64bit systems

VHS and Betamax were different systems for recording and playing video tapes. They were not compatible with each other. The nearest you could say to operating systems is to compare Windows with Mac OS, or Mac and Linux, and so on. They are all different OSs based on different core instructions.

Windows 32 bit and 64 bit are all based on the same core instruction set, and while there will be some incompatibilities, the basic structure is the same.

But I wouldn't worry too much about any lack of 64 bit hardware or software. Hardware manufacturers and software developers are now clamouring to provide 64 bit versions, and you won't struggle with that nowadays.

I haven't noticed any lack of software with both my 64 bit Vista and Windows 7.

What you may find is that older components, such as printers, scanners, and such things, 'may not work' with 64 bit systems, and if that is the case then we have to move to newer peripherals.

Mark

It is really nothing more than the difference there was between 8 bit CP/M and 16 bit DOS/Windows 3.x and 32 bit Windows NT, 2000.

Most of the applications will run on the OS with greater memory access BUT the problems lie with peripheral drivers as a 16 bit driver doesn't work on a 32 bit OS and a 32 bit driver will not work for a 64 bit OS.

Beta and VHS, just put that comparison out of your head, it'll only confuse you.

Basically, 32 vs 64 bit is like a 1/2 vs a 1ton p/u truck. In many ways they are the same, but once the necessary guts are measured, you get a lt. wt. vs a hwt. wt. sorta match. Both, quite capable but one can go where the other can't.

For all intends and purposes the 64bit can run 32bit apps but not necessary the other way around. Though, the OSes involved are similar the 64bit is the big brother of the two. While, its true there are few 64bit apps. that too is a weakness as any current 32bit app works quite well within 64bit and most users just don't really NEED IT and overall the next question, "is it working any better"? the best benefit and why 64bit is so welcomed is that memory can bust out of the 32bit contraints and memory being relativity cheap is offered as the package and that alone makes an improvement. But, like always what "Intel giveth, MS taketh away". IMHO, a 64bit is one worth the wait for an/or can be truly counted on, it works stability.

tada -----Willy