64 bit vs 32 bit

Posted by user53864 on Server Fault See other posts from Server Fault or by user53864
Published on 2011-01-02T07:02:33Z Indexed on 2011/01/02 7:55 UTC
Read the original article Hit count: 524

When I was doing my course MCSA, I'm taught the following:

  1. With a 32-bit processor only 32-bit operating system can be installed.
  2. with a 64-bit processor both 32-bit & 64-bit operating system can be installed

It's said 64-bit os cannot be installed on a 32-bit processor.

I just want to make sure the above points because recently I'm asked to installed Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprize and while installation it showed only x64 and it simply installed it. I was thinking all the computers in my office having a 32-bit processor. If so how it could be possible to install a x64 bit os on a 32-bit processor? or I'm wrong with the 1st point or the processor may be of 64-bit(I don't know how to check). I'm confused...

One thing what I know the benefits of 64-bit over 32-bit is faster operation. If anyone could tell me other benefits, it could be helpful for me.

Thanks!

© Server Fault or respective owner

64 bit vs 32 bit

Posted by user51737 on Super User See other posts from Super User or by user51737
Published on 2011-01-02T07:02:33Z Indexed on 2011/01/02 16:55 UTC
Read the original article Hit count: 523

When I was doing my course MCSA, I'm taught the following:

  1. With a 32-bit processor only 32-bit operating system can be installed.
  2. with a 64-bit processor both 32-bit & 64-bit operating system can be installed

It's said 64-bit os cannot be installed on a 32-bit processor.

I just want to make sure the above points because recently I'm asked to installed Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprize and while installation it showed only x64 and it simply installed it. I was thinking all the computers in my office having a 32-bit processor. If so how it could be possible to install a x64 bit os on a 32-bit processor? or I'm wrong with the 1st point or the processor may be of 64-bit(I don't know how to check). I'm confused...

One thing what I know the benefits of 64-bit over 32-bit is faster operation. If anyone could tell me other benefits, it could be helpful for me.

Thanks!

© Super User or respective owner

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