[022] 32 vs 64 bit applications

What is the difference between 32bit and 64bit systems? This question almost pops out everytime I give lectures. I will NOT give any "techy" definitions of each, but I will give what I tell to my audience whenever the aforementioned question arises.

32bit systems are old technology which limits the memory capacity which can be read by the operating system. 32bit systems can read a maximum of 4 gigabytes (GB) of memory. You can put over 4GB of memory to your rig but it will still be 4GB that will be read.

64bit systems are the current technology that goes beyond the 4GB memory limit capacity. Although there will also a ceiling limit, but that will certainly NOT a problem. You can also use 4GB or lower memory on 64bit systems.

In case, your memory maxes out the limit capacity, it will get the help of your rigs hard disk drive (HDD). This will slowdown the speed of the application that you are currently using until your rigs hangs on you. 

Applications still create versions for the 32bit systems since the are still a lot of rigs that are using such systems.

When purchasing applications, you need to find out what system it is compatible with. Some 32bit application will run on 32bit systems, but this is NOT always the case.

~Cheers!