Probably a stupid question but...

[pvdg42]

I have an X86 based PC with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor. Does that mean
the computer has a 64 bit architecture?

silas

Yes. However, unless you plan to use > 4 gig of memory, or have true 64 bit
applications you will run, you'd find it easier to get a 32 bit OS installed
and fully operational with your hardware.

 

[Simon Berube]

Unfortunately I would say yes. I had MS send me the 64 bit and I ended up
going back to 32 bit. Sad how the fact that many games and large software
packages don't have good better support for 64 bit than 32. Many people
have 64 bit hardware and would like to make use of it, but all the software
is lacking big time, and they can keep on saying that 32 bit is popular.
Well, duh! It's more stable and my software will run on it. Damn Adobe for
not getting serious about it.

 

[silas]

I have an X86 based PC with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor. Does that mean
the computer has a 64 bit architecture?

silas

 

[dean-dean]

To find out what OS you are running, go to Control Panel\System (Classic
View), and look under "System" for "System Type". Your computer is capable
of having a 64 bit or 32 bit OS installed, but you are operating only one or
the other. If it says 32-bit Operating System after "System Type", then
download the 32-bit Setup.exe file.

 

[silas]

Yes. However, unless you plan to use > 4 gig of memory, or have true 64
bit applications you will run, you'd find it easier to get a 32 bit OS
installed and fully operational with your hardware.

I plan to download Microsoft's Virtual PC 2007 and the instructions say to
"Choose the correct architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) for your computer and
download the appropriate Setup.exe file." With 2 GB of RAM should I select
the 32 bit?

Thanks.

silas

 

[pvdg42]

I have an X86 based PC with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor. Does that mean
the computer has a 64 bit architecture?

silas

Yes. However, unless you plan to use > 4 gig of memory, or have true 64 bit
applications you will run, you'd find it easier to get a 32 bit OS installed
and fully operational with your hardware.

 

[Dave B.]

The amount of RAM you have has nothing to do with which version your
download, nor does the fact that you have a 64 bit CPU. You download the
version which is compatible with the version of Windows you have installed,
if your running the 32 bit version of Vista, that is what you download.

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[Dave B.]

Doesn't matter, determine if you are running the 32 bit or 64 bit version,
and download the matching installation package.

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[silas]

Sorry, I failed to mention I'm running Vista Home Premium.

silas

 

[pvdg42]

Doesn't matter, determine if you are running the 32 bit or 64 bit version,
and download the matching installation package.

Ah!
From the history in your message I've discovered that my thread here is
missing the original question about Virtual PC 2007. The post I responded to
was:

<quote>
I have an X86 based PC with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor. Does that mean
the computer has a 64 bit architecture?

silas
</quote>

Sorry for any misunderstanding.

 

[Adam Albright]

Ah!
From the history in your message I've discovered that my thread here is
missing the original question about Virtual PC 2007. The post I responded to
was:

<quote>
I have an X86 based PC with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor. Does that mean
the computer has a 64 bit architecture?

silas
</quote>

Sorry for any misunderstanding.

I think a lot of people get confused over the benefits of having a 64
bit processor. The analogy would be similar to driving around in a top
end Jag sports car just to go to the corner grocery store. What's the
point?

If you have a 64 bit processor, you also need a 64 bit MB, most of
your hardware will need 64 bit drivers and to really get any benefit
the software you use most will also need to be tuned to get something
out of true 64 bit processing. Not much does...yet.

This nearly 4 year old article is rather revealing:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,111508-page,1/article.html