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64-bit versions of Windows Vista are for computer users who have high-performance needs and are typically running a computer with 4 GB or more of Random Access Memory (RAM). The terms "32-bit" and "64-bit" refer to the way a computer's processor handles information. The 32-bit versions of the Windows operating system can only use up to 3 GB of memory.
The 64-bit versions of Windows can use more memory and help reduce time swapping processes in and out of memory by storing more of those processes in RAM rather than on the hard disk. This, in turn, can increase overall system and application performance, especially with applications optimized for 64-bit. For more details about 32-bit and 64-bit, see the Windows Help and How-to FAQ.
To find out what version of Windows Vista is installed on your computer:
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Click Start 
, click Control Panel, click System and Maintenance, and then click System.
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Under System, view the System type.
If you're running Windows XP:
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Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click System.
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On the General tab, view the System type.
