Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit vs. Mac OS X 10.6 "all-in-one"

[Crunch]

Hey everyone! I've been getting more acquainted with Apple's OS X Snow Leopard and I was wondering as to why we have to choose between a 32-bit or 64-bit edition of Windows 7 (and Vista, of course) on the PC side? OS X doesn't make you choose, and when it comes to an issue such as the lack of 64-bit Flash, for example, Apple's Safari browser still runs in 64-bit while the Flash plug-in runs at 32-bit concurrently. At least, that's according to OS X's version of Windows' Task Manager, which shows you exactly what's running in which mode.

I've also noticed that a few System Preferences apps require System Preferences to be restarted in 32-bit mode so that one can access those.

Anybody have any insight? Inquiring minds want to know...

[bill bolton]

I was wondering as to why we have to choose between a 32-bit or 64-bit edition of Windows 7 (and Vista, of course) on the PC side?

x86 versions support (very) old 16 bit software, as well as 32 bit software.

x64 versions support 32 bit software, as well as 64 bit software.

Cheers,

Bill B.