Running 32bit programs on 64bit os

[Game Over]

Ok, I am sure asking this on this particular site is probably like asking if it matters which foot you put a sock on, but I have been using a 32bit system for ever and will soon be upgrading to 64bit for the first time.

I have several expensive programs that are all in 32bit formats such as Photoshop to name one.

I am assuming that these 32bit programs would run just fine on a 64bit system?

And a second question....

Assuming the above is correct, and using Photoshop CS5 as an example, lets say I have a 64bit PC, and run both a 32bit and 64bit Photoshop CS5. Or any other program for that matter. what difference if any would I notice between the two? Better graphics, Faster Operation?

Never had to give this too much thought. Another reason I ask the second question is I am about to make a purchase on a autocad program and wondering if I would be better to hold off and get the 64bit version for the future rig or go ahead and pick up the 32bit now. if the 32 will not run on a 64 OS, or the 64bit Autocad runs better than the 32 then I would want to wait, but if I am not going to see any difference... That goes for some other programs as well.

 

[ionicle]

64 bit just makes it a bit snappier...

32 bit will run on 64 bit with no worries, it may just say it on task manager, but it will run just fine

 

[Game Over]

64 bit just makes it a bit snappier...

32 bit will run on 64 bit with no worries, it may just say it on task manager, but it will run just fine

Thats good to hear! I have seen statements that 32bit drivers such as those for Printers and the like do not work on 64bit, But I am assuming that is just the case for 32bit hardware and not a software issue.

If 64bit programs do run faster then I might go ahead an pick up the 64bit program. Cs5 and Autocad suck up a lot of resources, and anything that helps smooth it out Ill go for.

You know, I am betting the day after I get my 64bit PC up and running, there will be an announcement that 128 bit will now be the mainstream

Thanks

 

[thestepster]

windows 7 home premium will support up to a max of 16gb but professional, enterprise and ultimate support up to 192gb

 

[JezEngland]

My original Command & Conquer Win 95 doesn't work on 64 bit and Syndicate Wars wich I found a custom patch for so it runs on 64bit, though it's not full screen. If you get problems right-click on the application icon, navigate to properties, then compatability mode to set the Windows versions the subject is designed for to dirve it. That doesn't work with Command & Conquer Win 95 and Syndicate Wars

A 2010 PC Mart magazine writes like 64 bit will be around a long time. The shift from 32 Bit to 64 Bit isn't over. They hope Windows 8 will just be 64 Bit

 

[thestepster]

yeah i would say its not really been moving that long, as most OEM stuff is sold with a home premium 32bit os be it vista or 7

 

[JezEngland]

some info from March 2010 Micro Mart ISSUE 1099:

64 Bit processors became available to home PC's in 2003.

Window XP is the first OS to support 64Bit.

In a 64Bit model a set of DATA requires more memory space than is does under a 32Bit model. So 64Bit OS require more RAM. A reason for that is the memory addresses are double the size. If you don't have enough RAM the performance will suffer making worse performance than a 32Bit system with enough RAM.

64Bit Win 7 needs 20GB Hard Disk space for the install.

It's still to be proven if 64Bit running all 32Bit application performs better than a 32Bit processor.