32-Bit Software on 64-Bit Machines?

Clark Lachowski: It depends on the OS. Mac OS X has the best support for 32bit applications on their 64bit OS. Windows 7 uses the same approach and seems to do a good job of it as well (I haven't had a 32bit program fail on me yet, but they tend to run slower then 64bit programs). Linux it is really hit or miss. The 32bit wrapper (the program used to run 32bit applications) has lots of bugs and usually not all the functionality of 32bit programs exists (Skype is a good example of this). Vista and XP are somewhere in between Window 7 and Linux with their wrappers. Win XP is a lot worse then Vista though when it comes to 64bit support....Show more

Codi Manchel: Hi,Yes of course you can, most software is still 32 bit.The only things that really matter are drivers for your hardware, they have to be 64 bit.Just make sure the software is suitable for your os, such as XP or Vista.Arnak...Show more

Kris Otuafi: yes, but not vice versa.

Lita Thammorongsa: U! sually.There are some instances where you're much better off finding a 64-bit option if one exists though (like for antivirus software).You'll also encounter instances of 32-bit hardware drivers not being compatible with 64-bit, but most fairly recent things have both options available....Show more