Should I get the 32-bit or 64-bit version? Which is better?

Question

I just purchased the Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2010 for school. It came with a 32-bit and a 64-bit download so I can install either one. My question is which would be the best to install?

I hear that the 64-bit is better coz it'll run faster. I have a desktop computer that runs Windows XP w/ 512MB of RAM. I was planning on buying 2 GB of ram in the next few days, so should I get the 32-bit version now or should I get the 64-bit version after i upgrade memory? Which would be better?

Answer 1

The best one to install is whichever your system is running in, either 32-bit or 64-bit. So you shouldn't install a 64-bit Office into a 32-bit version of desktop. If your system is a 64-bit, then install the 64-bit Office.



64-bit can just take on more ram spaces, which leads to better performance. A 32-bit can take up to 2GB of ram I believe and 64-bit can take up to 4GB and up. On the site below says "The benefits of using a 64-bit operating system are most apparent when you have a large amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer, typically 4 GB of RAM or more."



For more professional help go to this site below.

Answer 2

The 64-bit version of Windows XP is for computers with 64-bit processors. If your computer was custom built for you, ask the person/vendor who built it if you have a 64-bit processor. If you purchased it from a retail company (such as Dell, Gateway, etc.), you can call customer service or go online to the manufacturer's website to check the specs of your system, just be sure you know the model number. The main difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors is that the 64-bit processors have double the capability to multi task and run multiple applications seamlessly. However, if you do not have a 64-bit processor in your computer, you do not want to purchase any 64-bit software.

Answer 3

erm thats not windows?



if you have a 32 bit version of windows you download the 32 it version



if you have a 64 bit version of windows you download the 64 bit version?

Answer 4

None of them will run on Windows XP(SP 2)..If you have SP 3 then get a 32-bit because it will run OK on Windows XP..

I would prefer that you buy a RAM and a new Windows 7.All software will run fine...

Answer 5

64-bit



bc a lot of newer applications require it:



Like PC games



Besides, you can always install a 32-bit O/S on a 64-bit platform



AND



64-bit will process 32-bit application

Answer 6

NO Don't download any of them by random guess. You will need to check if you have 32 bit or64 bit computer. To check that click start after Go to Control Panel then System Info or something like that.

Answer 7

64 bit software is only useful if you will be running programs that demand more than 4 GB of RAM.



Will you be running massive programs like HD video encoding, or 3D rendering software? If not, then you won't really need 64 bit OS.



It's not faster...it's just capable of addressing more than 4 GB of RAM...

Answer 8

It depends... first be sure which version of windowsXP are you using(32bit/64bit) , and then install accordingly. As far as I know WindowsXP(64bit) doesn't support 32 bit software. So think over it. More over XP 32bit only supports ram till 2GB I think but 64bit supports till 8GB so there is also a point. But 64bit version is safer and much faster...