34bit or 64bit?

[gotcha]

Just been asked if my computer was 34bit or 64bit, years ago I knew a nice bit,LOL. But now I don't know what they are talking about computer wise?
Just a short answer please!
PS. If mine is a 34bit does that mean something 64bit will not work in or, or vice versa?

[TheBrain]

you mean 32 bit or 64 bit. no such thing as 34 bit.

How to determine whether your computer is running a 32-bit version or a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system

SUMMARY
This step-by-step article describes how to determine whether a computer is running a 32-bit Microsoft Windows operating system or a 64-bit Microsoft Windows operating system. To determine whether your computer is running a 32-bit Windows operating system or a 64-bit Windows operating system, examine the system information. To do this, use one of the following methods.

Note Intel Itanium-based computers can only run 64-bit versions of Windows. Intel Itanium-based computers cannot run a 32-bit Windows operating system. Currently, 64-bit versions of Windows only run on Itanium-based computers and AMD64-based computers.

Windows Vista
Method 1
1. Click Start Start button , type system in the Start Search box, and then click system in the Programs list.
2. The operating system appears as follows:
• For a 64-bit version operating system: 64-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.
• For a 32-bit version operating system: 32-bit Operating System appears for the System type under System.
Method 2
1. Click Start Start button , type system in the Start Search box, and then click System Information in the Programs list.
2. The operating system appears as follows:
• For a 64-bit version operating system: x64-based PC appears for the System type under Item.
• For a 32-bit version operating system: x86-based PC appears for the System type under Item.


Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Method 1
1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
2. Click the General tab. The operating system appears as follows:
• For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Version < Year> appears under System.
• For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows XP Professional Version< Year> appears under System.
Note <Year> is a placeholder for a year.
Method 2
1. Click Start, click Run, type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
2. In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value.
• If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
• If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with ia64 or AMD64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.


Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Method 1
1. Click Start, click Run, type sysdm.cpl, and then click OK.
2. Click the General tab. The operating system appears as follows:
• For a 64-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition appears under System.
• For a 32-bit version operating system: Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition appears under System.
Method 2
1. Click Start, click Run, type winmsd.exe, and then click OK.
2. In the details pane, locate Processor under Item. Note the value.
• If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with x86, the computer is running a 32-bit version of the Windows operating system.
• If the value that corresponds to Processor starts with EM64T or ia64, the computer is running a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system.

[Monk Psycho]

you can try and see if it works. I think that 64-bit system will not work on a 32-bit processor (at least not in full power), while a 32-bit system will work on a 64-bit processor with no sweat

[icweirdppl]

the main difference is that a 32 bit operating system wont recognise more than 3 gb of ram :)

[Fire-Blade]

Originally Posted by gotcha

PS. If mine is a 34bit does that mean something 64bit will not work in or, or vice versa?

If you have a 32bit processor (Intel P2/P3/P4, AMD Athlon XP for example), then you can only run 32bit (x86) software.
If you have a 64bit processor (x64) then you can run both 32bit and 64bit software (although you will need an x64 operating system such as XP x64 or Vista x64 to run other x64 software.

The advantages of x64 systems are they able to crunch much larger numbers and are more efficient at crunching smaller numbers than a 32bit system. They can also access more memory than 32bit systems ( >3GB ).

Disadvantages of 64 bit systems are lack of drivers and there isn't currently too many programs written to take advantage of 64bit processors.

[shaz3e]

+1 for TheBrain