Microsoft makes most editions of Windows 7 available in 32-bit or 64-bit versions, so to see which version your computer is using, go to the Start menu to Computer and click on the System Properties at the top of the window. In the System area of the box that appears, look next to System Type to see if the computer is running a 32 or 64-bit (x64) operating system.
The 64-bit systems handle data and memory efficiency that 32-bit systems; a popular analogy is to think of a 64-bit operating system as a 64-lane highway compared with a 32-lane highway in terms of a moving traffic. If you have the 32-bit version installed and want to see if your computer’s processor can run the 64-bit version of Windows 7, go to the Start menu to Control Panel.
In the Search box at the top of the window, start typing Performance Information and Tools and click on the window. In the Performance and Information Tools box, click on the option for “View and print detailed performance and system information.”
In the System area, look next to 64-bit capable to see if it says “Yes” which means the processor can handle the upgrade. If you choose to upgrade from the 32-bit version, you need to back-up all your files, install the 64-bit edition of Windows and the copy your files back to the PC.
One major thing to do before you upgrade: Make sure there are 64-bit drivers available for the hardware you use with the computer. Microsoft has other advice on upgrading to the 64-bit version of Windows 7 at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions
Source: NYT Special
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