[Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 168, Issue 14

[BJ ROLLISON]

First, just to be transparent I worked as an software engineer at Microsoft for 20 years.

I agree there is sometimes no need for some users to move from a 32-bit system, to a 64-bit system. For example, if you have a computer dedicated in your shack, and mostly run apps for amateur radio or the internet, do not do run multiple programs simultaneously and switch between them frequently or do a lot of code crunching or image processing than you may not need a 64-bit machine. Also, since it is very unlikely that most amateur radio apps will likely be ported to 64-bit anytime soon.

However, there is tremendous advantage of a 64-bit system over a 32-bit system for many users who use their computers for more complex operations besides running a few limited apps and browsing the web.

Simply put, a 64-bit system will process large amounts of data through RAM more efficiently compared to a 32-bit system. In layman's terms that means that searching a large database of QSO's will take less time; especially if you have other apps running in the background.

While a 64-bit system will use more memory space compared to a 32-bit system; it is false to say the space is 2x more.

The 64-bit system also allows users to exceed the 4Gb limit of 32-bit systems. And many modern apps are memory intensive. Also many users who multi-task apps on their computers, use memory intensive programs (photo processing, code crunching, etc.) or use browser apps that are constantly auto refreshing, will greatly benefit from a 64-bit system. Also, while a 64-bit system will use 4GB of RAM more effectively, I personally would not recommend anything less than 8GB of RAM.

BJ
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