…if I would run a 32 bit OS (Windows XP or 7) on a 64 bit machine (instead of a 64 bit OS). Please tell me also if it would work properly this way - no problems at all? Thank you!
None at all - except you would lose the benefits of a 64bit system
Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/system-requirements.aspx
I ran it on my XP Pro system and it failed miserably so I purchased a new 64bit capable system.
so I purchased a new 64bit [b]capable[/b] system.What does that mean ??? is it 64 bit or not ???
That was my XP Pro system not the E5200 2.5GHZ, 4GB RAM, 320GB HD, Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit system.
Sorry YoKenny but I still don’t know what you mean by
64 bit ready ???
My XP Pro system was NOT 64 bit ready.
Maybe I should upload Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor results for my Windows 7 system ???
That wasn’t my question.
If you look at your original post, you’ll notice that you posted
64 bit ready
I just wanted to know what that means. As far as I know a system is either 64 bit or 32 bit
Now if you meant that your Windows XP system wasn’t ready to upgrade to Win 7, then that’s an entirely different subject matter and has nothing to do with 64 or 32 bit.
It simply means that computer isn’t ready for one reason or another to run Windows 7.
I’d understand “64bit ready” as a machine (hardware) where a 64bit OS can be installed - CPU supporting that etc. (which is basically any CPU manufactured in the last few years).
Thanks for the explanation igor.
There however must be differences between 32bit ready and 64 bit and why would you buy 32 bit if there are more benefits in a 64 bit system ?? Especially if you consider that there aren’t any differences in price between the two.
Well, “more benefits”… a 64bit OS can access/use more than 4GB RAM (or rather 3.5, which is closer to the actual limit for a 32bit system), and it’s probably more secure - because of things like driver signing enforcement, PatchGuard etc.
On the other hand, it would have higher memory requirements (i.e. with the same amount of installed RAM, less will be left for application than on the same machine with a 32bit OS), and you can’t run old DOS or Win16 applications there, which might be an issue for some. Also, if you have an older hardware, 64bit drivers might not exist for that (if not already included in Windows)
All currently shipping desktop and laptop CPUs are 64-Bit except some variations of Intel Atom, Via Nano, Athlon Neo (Mostly net book processors) .
if you can run 64-Bit it’s usually a good idea for the security benefits as igor mentioned. Also most shipping logic boards can hold more than 4GB of RAM which would require you to run a 64Bit OS anyway.
Check with your computer or logic board manufacturer for compatible drivers before you upgrade.
Btw, I believe all Via Nano CPUs do support x64 (only its predecessors, C3/C5/C7 didn’t). On the other hand, I’d be reluctant to use the word “shipping” here… I mean, if I didn’t have one Via Nano netbook on my desk at work, I might consider it being a myth. Pity nobody’s really using those CPUs.
Seems you are right. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIA_Nano This looks to me to be a much better alternative to the Atom, too bad I have yet to see one on the shelves here in the US. 
Here you go Mac:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834131031
I might just pick one up. 
I just noticed they are out of stock and may not restock…
Yeah, theoretically, they exist, but…
You guys just reminded me of an article i read about Dual Core Nano’s recently. Let me try to find it…
VIA Nano DC and VN1000 Preview - Dual Core Nanos Finally in the Pipe
If it has a 25W TDP as the article states, that would put it in direct competition with the ULV Core 2 CPUs power wise which would be hard to compete with and is well above the TDP of the Atom (and likely why I haven’t seen any of these).
Its just so hard to compete with Intel :-.