Windows 7 New to W7, program files x86?

[John Park]

Hello, I am a new user to windows 7. I have used XP but skipped Vista. I am wondering what is the difference of "Program Files" and "Program Filesx86"? Most of my files download onto Program Files x86. Thanks

 

[fjgold]

Hello, I am a new user to windows 7. I have used XP but skipped Vista. I am wondering what is the difference of "Program Files" and "Program Filesx86"? Most of my files download onto Program Files x86. Thanks

You must be using 64 bit Win 7, the Program Files x86 is where Win 7 64 bit places program files for 32 bit programs you install. There is another folder called Program Files for 64 bit programs.
Unlike in Linux Win 7 64 bit appears to be able to install and use 32 bit programs.
In Linux (Ubuntu to be precise) trying to install a 32 bit program in 64 bit Ubuntu will result in an error complaining about
the wrong architecture.
Fortunately there are 64 bit versions for just about every linux program.

 

[John Park]

Alright, thanks for clarifying!