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If I'm running a 64-bit OS (Windows XP x64 edition) and a program has both a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version, what are the advantages of using the 64-bit version? Will it be faster?

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XP 64-bits is not more secure than 32-bits.

Vista and (better) Windows 7 introduced in 64-bit mode enhanced security with hardware-backed DEP, Kernel Patch Protection and mandatory driver signing.

So the only advantage in XP is that a 64-bits program can use more than 4 GB of memory.
However, practically speaking, no program needs so much memory, except in large servers.

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No program uses more than 4Gb of memory? Except on servers? That's a bit strong, ain' it? – ldigas Jun 6 '10 at 20:13
No, its totally correct. Also take Bubu's answer in account, you may notice improvements in performance. (Yeah I'm in that 1% and I did notice some 64bits are faster than the 32bit version.) – Shiki Jun 6 '10 at 20:21
@Shiki - I'm not arguing performance (simply because I've no idea whether there is any). But a lot of programs use more than 4gb of memory. True, they may not be programs for a wide spectra of users, but nevertheless (think numerical computations). – ldigas Jun 6 '10 at 20:25
Hm... Hardware DEP is available in 32-bit systems (including XP), and Kernel Patch Protection was ported back to Windows XP 64-bit in some update. – Hello71 Jun 6 '10 at 20:38
Idigas: Well.. but if one uses a PC for mathematical computation... ^^" | anyway: XP 64 bit is something what one should not use. Only Vista/Win7 comes with seamless support in my opinion. Even drivers on XP for 64bit can be a pain in the arse.. – Shiki Jun 6 '10 at 20:50
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if you run the 64-bit version, it will be able to address more memory, and if it is optimised well (as are some games) there may be a <10% improvement in performance. But in general it is not felt by the endusers.

i think most people run 64-bit just because of the memory addresing concerns.

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Forgive...I am one of those stated 1% as well. I am using some heavy applications concurrently. After upgrading to a Mobo (MSI NF 980-G65/8 G DDR3/AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE) I know that I am going to run support apps to help me with accessability stuff. Dictation/TTS/Command & control. I also program professionally and I actually do other stuff too. I am getting a "Bulter"system installed on this system. So I do need a lot just in the background to do all the other stuff. Disabilities notwithstanding, I intend to press on with my techno-life. 64 bit has been a boon for me. I do notice a speed up and a stability compared to XP Pro 32 Bit, even if XP Pro has been the most stable OS produced from MS> (that is probably why it lasted as long as it has.) Thank you, BarJabba

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