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Difference between 32 and 64 bits

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Rapheaven -  
Hello,
I would like to install Mandriva Linux on my computer, but I have 2 CDs: one marked 32 bits and the other 64 bits.
What is the difference? Which one is better? For what type of computer?
Thank you in advance :-) 
Configuration: Windows XP Firefox 2.0.0.7

19 answers

  1. Ille
    You're pretty off the mark. And in any case, you're not addressing the question.
    Let's summarize:
    A 64-bit OS runs on a 64-bit processor (AMD or Intel) regardless of the number of cores (one, two, three, or four for the time being).
    A 64-bit OS is used in the same way as a 32-bit one; you can run it with 128MB of RAM if you want and any graphics card (even an old Hercules if the drivers exist).
    Rapheaven's P4 being a 32-bit processor, it will never understand a 64-bit OS (the CD won't even boot).

    The Linux kernel allows addressing more than 4GB of RAM, even in 32-bit.
    Stop saying that 4GB will never be utilized; it reminds me of a certain Bill Gates who told IBM during the development of DOS: "64KB of RAM will be more than enough for everyone and for a long time."
    34
    1. dss
      You're a bit off the mark with the question, huh... yeah... a little ;)
      0
    2. yves 11
      Well, you can't turn a 2CV into a Mercedes, the processor needs to be 64 bits.
      0
  2. Markitaust
    it depends on your computer.

    give me your specs.
    0
    1. Rapheaven Author
      Config: P4, 3 GHz, 512 MB of RAM
      There you go!!
      2
      1. Markitaust
        ok.
        forget about 64bits. :)

        to have it you need:
        (for vista at least)

        a quadro or octo core of 2.66 x4/x8
        8giga of ram or 16giga (recommended)
        a high-end graphics card starting with the 8800gts.

        install the 32-bit version

        actually, the 64-bit version is meant to speed up the computer, if it's a crazy machine.
        and plus you need a 64-bit processor to take advantage of it.

        So definitely 32-bit
        -6
        1. gpasdenom
          It's beautiful to see so much nonsense in a single message.....

          He's not asking to run Crysis but a simple 64-bit OS....
          0
        2. zapreli
          Basically, in terms of usefulness, there's no point for him to get a 64, there you go.
          0
        3. lolo41
          As much as measuring can only do good...
          0
      3. Rapheaven Author
        Well, thank you very much!! :D
        I didn’t know there was such a big difference, quite surprising...
        2
        1. dubcek
          A 64-bit OS (Windows, Linux, Solaris, etc.) is essential to access more than 4GB of memory.
          -1
          1. william
            Hello, Markitaust, saying such c******* is pointless, it’s just a matter of architecture.
            In the case of Rapheaven, he has a single-core processor so he will need to install a 32-bit version.
            64-bit systems are intended for processors with 2, 3, 4... cores. But nothing prevents a dual-core owner from using a 32-bit version; however, I don’t know if the EMT64 execution set allows for running a 64-bit system.
            -1
            1. Artis.psyko
              Markitaust >
              Rapheaven is talking about Mandriva, not a buffalo! X)
              Wouldn't you be a reseller yourself? :þ

              dubcek >
              I thought we could address up to 4GB in 32 bits (2 to the power of 32 = 4294967296, which is exactly 4GB)... ;-)
              0
              1. dubcek
                dubcek >
                It seemed to me that you could address up to 4GB in 32 bits (2 to the power of 32 = 4294967296, or exactly 4GB)... ;-)
                Yes, that's what I wrote :-), you need 64 bits to access MORE than 4GB.
                0
                1. Anonymous user
                  and another 4 GB will never be used...
                  0
                  1. Artis.psyko
                    Well, you'll need to explain to me why I'm maxing out my 4GB then. :(
                    0
                  2. KKuette
                    Some programs use a lot of RAM, especially with the CS4 version of Adobe =)
                    0
                2. kiki
                  Hello,

                  Just so you know, 64-bit has nothing to do with multi-core.
                  All recent kernels are automatically multi-core.

                  It is possible to access more than 4GB of RAM even in 32-bit (with special kernels).

                  64-bit is more efficient in coding/encryption applications.
                  But since there are still a few rare office applications that only work in 32-bit, it is recommended for standard usage (easier).
                  In my opinion, those who encode a lot of DivX/MP3 or work in 3D should definitely try 64-bit if possible.

                  Best regards,
                  7
                  1. jb
                    Lol William, he doesn't say ONLY nonsense...
                    The 64-bit version, as someone has already said, is not reserved for multi-core processors...
                    It's true, you need a minimum of 4GB of RAM...
                    After that, I find it hard to believe that a minimum of 8800 GT is required... I don't think so at all.
                    The problem with 64-bit is that it doesn't really benefit individuals for now, as almost all programs are developed in 32-bit... Apart from those using XSI 64-bit version for 3D, that’s worth it... but it requires a big budget...

                    After that, I don't really know yet if I should go for a 64-bit version under Linux, I have only one gig of RAM, anyway old PC, but I don't know at all if the applications are coded in 64-bit too... but I think it won't be useful for me right now...
                    -1
                    1. dss
                      Basically, you don't know what you're talking about...
                      0
                  2. nuptial-hero
                    Here it's funny, it's like you're speaking Chinese but in French lol anyway, you seem to be getting...
                    2
                    1. dubcek
                      It's true, you need a minimum of 4GB of RAM..
                      No, there is no minimum. The 64-bit architecture is required to address more than 4GB.
                      0
                      1. routier
                        Hi everyone, I have a little question?
                        I'm running on XP Pro Ladybug 3.5 and friends are telling me to switch to Vista 64
                        My configuration is as follows: Intel Dual Core 6300 1.87 GHZ processor with 2 GB of RAM; an Asus P5B Deluxe motherboard and a GeForce 7300 GS graphics card.
                        What is your opinion?
                        Thanks in advance, the Trucker
                        0
                        1. Axos1
                          Je tiens à dire pour vous informer que présentement la majorité des nouveaux ordinateurs de bureau ou portables vendus sur le marché fonctionnent tous sur des processeurs et systèmes d'exploitation 64 bits.
                          0
                          1. Alex
                            once again...

                            It's a story about big money... Otherwise, how do you expect Mr. Gates to sell his 64-bit Vista on the market?

                            64 bits is good, as mentioned above, for encryption/encoding...

                            And today, about 75% of Windows users don't know how to use that (MSN, blogs, and so on).
                            0
                            1. dss
                              lol !! go to bed ;) besides, Gates has had a ton of money long before your message so... hit the sack.
                              0
                          2. fab-zero
                            All recent processors support 64-bit instructions. The only real advantage of having a 64-bit OS is the ability to address more than 4 GB of RAM. On a 32-bit OS, the limit is 4 GB, but since a portion is used to address hardware, we end up with something like 3.2 GB usable (which is still sufficient for the vast majority of common uses).

                            In summary: no need for 4 GB of RAM? => 32-bit OS / need more (video/3D processing.. huge) => 64-bit OS
                            0
                            1. Warby
                              Hello, in terms of 3D, it's great for video game enthusiasts, isn't it?
                              0
                            2. KKuette
                              We're talking more about design there...
                              0
                          3. azerty123
                            A 32-bit processor is actually characterized by the size of its registers, meaning it has 32-bit registers and can therefore address 2^32 different addresses (and yes, addresses are in binary ;) )

                            On the other hand, a 64-bit processor has 64-bit registers, allowing it to access 2^64 different addresses.

                            But the big problem between the two is that if you run a 64-bit program on a 32-bit processor, it will only read half of the instruction and will never understand what you mean;

                            Conversely, the 64-bit processor will read two instructions of code written for 32-bit as a single one and will not understand that either.
                            0