Understand how 64-bit edition of Windows Vista differs from 32-bit version

Engineers and scientists increasingly use commercial off-the-shelf PC technology in both research and industry to bring new products to market faster and at lower costs. As a result, the introduction of new PC technologies often has unforeseen and potentially disruptive consequences. No new technology promises to cause more change than the release of Microsoft Windows Vista, the first major Windows release in over half a decade. PC manufacturers have begun pre-installing Windows Vista on all new Windows PCs.

While Windows Vista contains hundreds of new features and notable changes, one key aspect of Windows Vista likely to affect engineers and scientist is the availability of both a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version. The latter designed for the increasing number of computers with one or more 64-bit processors. While a 64-bit version is not entirely revolutionary, Windows Vista marks the first time that a 64-bit version of windows will be widely available.

The impact of the 64-bit version of Windows Vista, known as a Windows Vista x64, on engineering and scientific applications is not widely understood. Considering whether or not to use the 64-bit edition requires understanding the differences between the two versions and the potential impact on your application.