Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit Architectures differences

From an administrator’s perspective, there are a number of important differences between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Vista. One of the most noticeable differences is that the 64-bit version tends to run faster because Vista can make use of the full 64 bits of a machine to reduce the number of operations required to perform some tasks. A 64-bit register also provides better and easier access to memory. The system also has wider buses to transfer information. In short, a 64-bit system has all kinds of additional resources that a 32-bit system lacks and Vista makes use of them all.

A 64-bit system is also supposedly more secure because it can’t run any of those 16-bit applications that caused so many problems in the past. The 16-bit applications relied on libraries that have all kinds of nonsecure code—a perfect target for hackers who want to gain entry to the system. Of course, the fact that you can’t run 16-bit applications in Vista means that some applications that did run in the past won’t run now. You’ll find that game playing (at least older games) is a lot harder in the 64-bit version of Vista.

You’ll find that having a 64-bit version of Vista can also present some support problems because now you need 64-bit drivers as well. Many vendors aren’t providing 64-bit drivers yet because there isn’t enough market appeal for them. The same problem occurred when the 32-bit version of Windows first appeared. Vendors tried to stay in the world of 16-bits until enough people asked for the 32-bit drivers. Eventually, every vendor started producing 32-bit drivers and it became hard to locate 16-bit drivers. The same process is likely to occur with the 64-bit version of Vista. Eventually, you’ll find that you can obtain all of the 64-bit drivers you need.

Source of Information : Sybex Mastering Windows Vista Business