32 bit and 64 bit

[randomguy]

I'm just wondering what is the difference between 32 bit and 64 bit proccessors or OS.
I posted this thread on "motherboard" section a while ago, and just realized I should've posted it here.

What's the difference between 32 bit and 64 bit?
Is the difference on proccessors or on OS (maybe both? Since we need 64 bit proccessors to run 64 bit OS?)?
I have read some articles about them, but I don't really get it yet.
Thanks for the answers!

 

[Emperor_nero]

I might be wrong but from what I know but you need 3 things to run in a 64bit environment.

1.Hardware: 64bit CPU
2.OS: A 64bit OS
3.Software: software written to take advantage OS 64bit CPUs

Though 64bit OS’s and CPUs are backward compatible with 32bit.

but the problem is that hardware advances so much faster then software so there is not to much out there that can take advantage of 64bit OS\CPU

 

[brinky2006]

Personally, I am going to wait for vista, untill i start to use 64 bit technology. I am currently testing the 64 bit version of vista RC1, and it is running smoothly.

I have not gone for 64 bit xp, as i have been told that many problems have arised, regarding software incompatability and hardware conflictions.

Adam

 

[randomguy]

Thanks for the answers.
Another question, what makes a proccessor 32 or 64 bit?
What causes the differences and what is the differences?
What advantages you get from using 64 bit?

 

[Bl00dFox]

It is based on the memory bandwidth between OS, CPU and RAM.