What is the difference between a 32 bit and a 64 bit download file?
In: Technology
The CPU [1] in a PC or laptop can be an older 32-bit chip, or a newer 64-bit chip.
The 64-bit software is better, because it can use all of the large amounts of memory in most modern PC’s [2]. But it only runs on the 64-bit chips [3].
So if you’re downloading software from a website, the website will often give you a choice between a 32-bit or a 64-bit version of the software. Most people should pick the 64-bit version. Pretty much the only practical reason not to pick the 64-bit version is if you have an old computer with a 32-bit chip [4].
For what it’s worth, long ago the PC world went through a similar transition from 16-bit software to 32-bit software. The first 32-bit PC CPU was released in 1985, but it took 10-15 years before the software world completed its transition to the new tech.
[1] Central Processing unit, the part of a computer that “computes”.
[2] And other resources, like more CPU registers and larger address space.
[3] The 32-bit software will run on 32-bit chip, but it will also run on the 64-bit chip. Basically the only combination that doesn’t work is 32-bit chip + 64-bit software.
[4] Or a newer computer with a 32-bit chip. What matters is the chip, not the age. But new 32-bit PC’s are already pretty rare, and getting more scarce every year. So if your PC isn’t older than 2015 or so, it’s reasonable to assume it has a 64-bit chip.
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