Windows Vista 32-bit vs 64-bit: Which one is right for you?

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Lena's picture

64-bit computing is becoming
more and more mainstream, side by side with OEM’s and system builders
increasing product capability by including more system memory. Most 64-bit
processors can run 32-bit code fast so you will find that most system builders
are still shipping 32-bit Windows operating systems by default.

So what’s all the fuss about? It's
true that 64-bit Windows Vista includes more fundamental security technologies
to protect your computer
from malware and other attacks, some of these technologies include Kernel Patch Protection (also known as
"PatchGuard"), Kernel Mode
Driver Signing,
and Address
Space Layout Randomization
(ASLR):

  • Kernel
    Patch Protection

    protects the Windows core from being "patched" by third parties.
  • Kernel
    Mode Driver Signing
    protects
    your computer from crashes caused by buggy driver software.
  • Address
    Space Layout Randomization
    re-arranges Windows system files in memory
    so that every time you start your computer, they are loaded into a different
    address space in the system memory

How do you determine if Windows
Vista 64-bit is right for you? Kristan Kenney has written an article on the
guidelines for selecting Vista versions
and what will apply for you.