Boost your computer's performance with the 64-bit version of Windows or OS X.
cd image by Marina Subocheva from Fotolia.com
One of the current trends in the computer industry is the migration of software and operating systems from 32-bit to 64-bit. This upgrade allows computers to use much larger amounts of RAM, which leads to drastically improved performance. Although 64-bit operating systems are not the industry standard yet, they are becoming more commonplace. Upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit will help you to stay ahead of the computer game and boost your computer's performance when running memory-hungry applications.
On the PC
Step 1
Insert the Windows install disc into your PC and click on “Install Windows” when the installer window appears.
Step 2
Select the updates you wish to install from the list in the next window. Microsoft recommends that you install the suggested updates as doing so will ensure the security of your computer and speed up the installation process.
Step 3
Type in your product key supplied with your Windows install disc.
Step 4
Accept the license agreement. When asked what type of installation you want, click "Custom." This is necessary because you cannot perform a standard upgrade from 32-bit Windows. Select your hard disk as the destination for the Windows install and click “OK.”
Step 5
Allow Windows to install itself. Your computer may restart a few times during this process. When the installation is complete, the customary Windows logon screen will come up.
On the Mac
Step 1
Place the Snow Leopard install disc into your computer's optical drive.
Step 2
Double-click the install disc and then double-click “Install Mac OS X.” Click “Continue.” Agree to the license agreement. Select your options on the next screen and click “OK.” Enter your admin password to start the installation.
Step 3
Allow your Mac to finish the installation. Your computer will reboot with a fresh copy of 64-bit Snow Leopard installed.
Tip
- Upgrading to a 64-bit operating system on the Mac requires the latest version of OS X, Snow Leopard. Although Leopard has 64-bit technologies, Snow Leopard is the first truly 64-bit Mac OS.
Warning
- Make sure to back up any files or programs you wish to preserve before making the upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows. You can skip this precaution on the Mac, as it is capable of doing a straight upgrade.
References
Photo Credits
- cd image by Marina Subocheva from Fotolia.com
