Gradually, we are changing from a world of 32-bit computers to 64 bit computers.

What does this mean for Microsoft Office?

Microsoft Office and 64-bit

Microsoft Office 2007 only has one version – the 32-bit edition. It installs and works fine on 64-bit computers.

Office 2007 on 64-bit Vista is installed to C:\Program Files (x86)\ where all 32-bit software is placed (64-bit software goes to C:\Program Files\ ). Otherwise it works normally and most people would not notice any difference.

In Office 2003, there was a separate 64-bit edition – although you can also install the more common Office 2003 32-bit version on a 64 bit operating system.

Why go to 64-bit computer for MS Office?

As far as Microsoft Office is concerned, the only benefit in running on a 64-bit computer would be for very heavy processing tasks. Large and complex Excel worksheets or large databases running with Access – in other words heavy calculation loads.

There’s no harm in running Office alone on a 64-bit computer but the benefits would only be noticeable for users with extreme CPU use.

However looking beyond Office itself there are benefits in going to 64-bit computers. The ability to work with RAM over 4GB means you can run faster with more simultaneous programs. Installing a 64-bit operating system on more than 4GB of RAM can make more ‘real’ memory available for all the programs running at once. For example running the resource hog Outlook means there’s less room and power available for other programs – more RAM can give room for Outlook and other programs to work more quickly. Virtual machines work much better with enough RAM to operate – either Microsoft’s Virtual PC or VMWare Workstation.

Most people don’t need the advantages of 64-bit on desktop machines while the hardware costs remain higher than 32-bit computers. A 32-bit machine with between 2GB and 4GB of RAM is enough for most purposes.

The future

Office 2010 will come with both 32- and 64-bit versions

Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, or Business, a licensed 32-bit customer can get the 64-bit edition for the cost of shipping a new DVD. Windows Vista Ultimate includes the 64-bit version already.

With that precedent we hope that both versions will be ‘in the box’ so customers can easily install the right one for their needs.  Or at least you'll be able to switch with little hassle and little cost.