The 4GB Memory Limit is a limit on
how much RAM can have. A computer running 32-bit operating
systems like Windows ME, Windows 2000, and most Windows XP and
Windows Vista Computers. Most people don’t know what type of
windows they have or if it is 32-bit or 64-bit.
Due to the way 32-bit operating systems handle or "map" the
RAM. A computer can only see up to 4GB of RAM and in most cases
shows only 2 to 3.8 GB (depending on the settings), even if the computer has 4
GB of RAM. This restriction is not present in 64-bit operating systems. However
64-bit operating systems have not become standard yet and have not become
ready for standard use by everyone. Some of the reasons to avoid 64-bit
operating systems are Lack of support for Hardware made
before February 2007 and most Software such as Microsoft Office 2003 and
most games. 64-Bit operating systems won’t be ready for everyone until these
problems are fixed that can only happen after more people demand the
64-bit Transition be made.
How does it affect me?
The 4GB limit effects about 90% of
Computers Sold in the world in the last 20 years and the only way to tell
if you are affected is to know if you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating
system
32-bit Windows operating systems
Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000
Windows XP Home
Windows XP Pro (Excluding XP
Professional x64 Edition)
Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Premium (if
not labeled as 64-bit Edition)
Windows Vista Business,
Enterprise or Ultimate
(if not labeled
as 64-bit Edition)
64-bit Windows operating systems
Windows XP Pro (if labeled x64
Edition)
Windows Vista Home Premium
(if labeled as 64-bit Edition)
