Firefox 32 bit vs 64 bit

[pcslookout]

Which do you use and why ?

 

[Mem]

64 bit browser since I use 64 bit OS, as to why?..Mainly for security and memory improvements over 32 bit , ie memory limitations on 32 bit with lots of tabs opened.

Once you install 64-bit Firefox—assuming you are also running a 64-bit version of Windows—it will be hard to tell the difference between it and the 32-bit version. Most of the big improvements happen behind the scenes, although the 64-bit version should be able to keep more tabs open without slowing as well as run web apps that require 64-bit support. 64-bit programs are able to address more than 4GB of memory, allowing for better performance.

 

[Resaroi]

I am running Firefox 32-bit on Windows 7 32-bit OS.
I have no other choice because Firefox 64-bit can't be installed and run on 32-bit operating system.

 

[TheRyuu]

I see little reason to use the 32-bit version on a 64-bit operating system. The same goes for Chrome as well.

You gain other things with the move to 64-bit such as better ASLR, always on DEP and a built-in plugin sandbox (since Flash does not provide one for the 64-bit version Mozilla wrote their own).

 

[ninaholic37]

32-bit because my laptop has a 32-bit CPU, and 1GB RAM. Still works great

Dell Latitude D410 Review (pics, specs)

 

[Elixer]

I agree with TheRyuu, I don't really see a reason NOT to use a x64 browser on a 64bit OS, it has too many advantages over the x86 version.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

Is there any compatibility issue with addons for the x64 version?

Also, is there a way to upgrade the 32 bit standard ver. to the x64?

 

[TheRyuu]

Is there any compatibility issue with addons for the x64 version?

Also, is there a way to upgrade the 32 bit standard ver. to the x64?

Addons are not affected because they use architecture agnostic features like javascript. Plugins may be affected but Firefox is eventually getting rid of all NPAPI plugins save for Flash so that's not really a big deal.

If you install the 64-bit version it will replace the 32-bit icons on your desktop and will use the same browser profile. You can also uninstall the 32-bit version without deleting your profile and then install the 64-bit version. They both use the same profile so you can freely switch between them.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

Thank you Ryuu! This worked, I just tested it out.

Addons are not affected because they use architecture agnostic features like javascript. Plugins may be affected but Firefox is eventually getting rid of all NPAPI plugins save for Flash so that's not really a big deal.

If you install the 64-bit version it will replace the 32-bit icons on your desktop and will use the same browser profile. You can also uninstall the 32-bit version without deleting your profile and then install the 64-bit version. They both use the same profile so you can freely switch between them.