A: The 64-bit version of Windows, which is rarely used by average consumers, can make the computer faster, but only when running programs that have been written in special 64-bit versions. In the consumer arena, there are too few such programs, and thus too little benefit, to justify paying extra for 64-bit machines.

So, the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer may run faster. But there is a downside. Because of the relative rarity of 64-bit users, some browser add-ons and toolbars and some of the Web technologies that power the features of Web pages aren't compatible with the 64-bit version of IE.

On top of that, you may not notice any huge speed difference as the perceived speed of Web browsers depends more on the speed of your Internet connection than anything else. So, for now, I would stick with the 32-bit version, for compatibility's sake. You can always install the 64-bit version later.

• The full story
• www.azstarnet.com

1. Intel to examine AMD split for x86 licensing violations
2. Bugs and lack of apps plague 64-bit users
3. Big Iron: The 64 bit question
4. Installation of MySQL 5.1 Cluster Software on the Solaris 10 OS for x64 Platforms
5. Installing LiveCycle JBoss Turnkey With a 64-bit JDK
6. VirtualDub Plugin SDK 1.0 released
7. EVE64
8. Microsoft Connectors for Oracle and Teradata by Attunity