Hi,
I'm thinking about upgrading from my old think pad XP 32bit to a used  Windows7 64bit laptop that I can get for a really good price.
I don't understand the difference between 32 bit and 64 bit operating systems. I don't want to buy new recording software.I'm hoping that my Sonar 8.3 will work on the new laptop.
 

I have 8.5.3 x64 working fine on Win7 x64

I also have 8.0 x64 working fine on Win7 x64, so I guess 8.3 should work, too.

I just popped in my installation disc for Sonar 8 to see if there is a 64bit version on it. But it doesn't seem so.
Like I said, the minimum requirements ( writt en on the box)for the program  is XP 32 bit. Does that mean it will automatically turn into 64bit when I install it on a 64bit operating system? Or is there son type of upgrade available?
I really don't know anything about the difference between 32 and 64 bit operating systems. Can someone please enlighten me. What are the advantages of 64 bit?
Thanks

I thought even back then that SONAR 8 came with two DVDs, one for 32-bit and one for 64.  But that could be mistaken.
 
Oversimplified answers to your question:
 
The primary difference is that a 32-bit OS can address only 4 GB of RAM.  Since Windows takes up to 1.5 GB of that, you have at most maybe 3.2 GB to use for programs.  If you have more than 4GB RAM in your computer, any more than 4 is not even used.  If you use a lot of software synths and/or plugins, or record very many tracks, you will run out of RAM quickly and the system will swap out to disk and slow down.
 
A secondary reason is that plugins are increasingly being made for 64-bit and if you use them with a 32-bit OS, you need a bridge program and might have system stability problems.

I am looking at my installed versions now. The icon that links to 8.0 says SONAR 8 Producer Edition (x64) and this was automatically generated- Also, the program is installed in the 64 bit area, i.e. C:\Program Files\Cakewalk, and not in the 32 bit area, which would be C:\Program Files (x86)\Cakewalk. 
IIRC, you start Setup, and if you are on a 64 bit OS, you are asked which version you want to install - but it's a while back now, so I may be mistaken. Nevertheless, my 8.0 version is unquestionably 64 bit for reasons stated above. (PS: It may be the 64 bit was indeed not on the CD but only came later as a download - ? Not sure.)
The advantage is that the 64 bit system can access far more memory. 32bit maxes out at 4GB, although due to various technicalities, I seem to remember XP32 only managed to make just over 2GB available, even if you put 4GB in your machine.
 

riojazz reminded me of something: the 32bit version had some plugs that were not available for installing in the 64 bit version. This was because they were part of a suite that really only worked in 32bit and did not work with the bridge system. I remember now that it was for this reason that I installed the 32 bit versions as well, in an attempt to get those plugs to install. They DID install, but still did not appear in the 64 bit version.
The point I am making is that the 32 bit version did actually install and work in my Win7 64 bit machine.

Roxy
...Windows7 64bit laptop...I'm hoping that my Sonar 8.3 will work on the new laptop.

I had Sonar 7 installed on a W7-64 platform and it worked very well. In fact it was more stable than the Sonar X2 that I eventually upgraded to. Sonar 8 should work fine too.

Roxy
I just popped in my installation disc for Sonar 8 to see if there is a 64bit version on it. But it doesn't seem so...

Assuming that it works the same way as Sonar 7, when you run the installer it will present you with the option of installing the 32 or 64 bit version. I would advise choosing 32 first. Get that up and running before tackling the 64-bit version.

Kev999

Roxy
I just popped in my installation disc for Sonar 8 to see if there is a 64bit version on it. But it doesn't seem so...

Assuming that it works the same way as Sonar 7, when you run the installer it will present you with the option of installing the 32 or 64 bit version. I would advise choosing 32 first. Get that up and running before tackling the 64-bit version.

I agree Kev...

I have it running Win7Pro x64 on a MacPro under Bootcamp and it works just fine... It is really such a small program relative to drive sizes these days that at least whike making the changeover to full 64bit, one might as well install both 32/64 bit versions... 32bit first...

I did this while making the transition, tho I no longer install the 32 bit versions as essentially all but 3 plugins I use are 64 bit. I still use VSampler for running Gigasampler libraries, and I have 2 (free) Leslue emulators that are only 32bit...

I think the OP will be very pleased moving into the 64bit realm!

Keni