The October 22nd, WINDOWS 7, release date has come and gone. Now a lot of us are getting ready to purchase and install the latest operating system from Microsoft. Unlike previous years, there is an additional decision that needs to be made. Are you going 32 bit or 64 bit?

If your processor is more than a few years old the decision may already be made for you. It's possible your hardware is not 64 bit compatible, but if you have a relatively new system it's going to be your choice.

WHAT IS IT?

The term 32 bit and 64 bit architecture refers to the way your systems processor (CPU) uses or addresses memory. Everyone knows how important memory is to their system. 32 bit systems, which are what most people are using now, can only use between 3.4 GBs to 4.0 GBs of memory. 64 bit architecture can take advantage of much more memory than this. I'm running 6 gigs in the system I just built and depending on which Windows 7 64 bit version you choose, you will be able to take advantage of up to 192 GBs of System Memory. Below I've listed the amounts of memory each can handle.

Windows 7 64 Bit Memory Capabilities

•  Starter: 8GB
•  Home Basic: 8GB
•  Home Premium: 16GB
•  Professional: 192GB
•  Enterprise: 192GB
•  Ultimate: 192GB

IS MY SYSTEM 64 BIT COMPATIBLE?

Earlier I mentioned that your hardware may not be 64 bit compatible. Confirm that your processor is 64 bit compatible by following the path below.

1. Click: Start/Control Panel/System or System Maintenance/Performance Information and Tools/View and Print Details.

2. In the System section under 64 Bit Capable you can see if your system is 64 Bit capable.

Alternately you may want to download and run the SIW application which will tell you the same thing. It's listed under: Hardware/CPU/the very first listing under Number of Processors. You will also want to be sure to uncheck the Toolbar option.