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Topic: 32 bit vs 64 bit OS |
Earnest Bovine
From:
Los Angeles CA USA
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Posted 4 Feb 2010 9:35 am |
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| What are the advantages/disadvantages of choosing the 64-bit version, rather than 32 bit, of Windows 7 for a new notebook (laptop) computer? |
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Mitch Drumm
From:
Frostbite Falls, hard by Veronica Lake
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Posted 4 Feb 2010 9:51 am
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No advantages in most cases.
Lots of yammering about it on the web via Google.
Most will point to 64 bits ability to utilize more than 4 GB of RAM. That may or may not be important to you.
Despite progress on the issue, I still see a lot of bitching about running 32 bit programs on a 64 bit system. Many such programs do not have issues, but quite a few do.
I've also seen complaints about 64 bit installation related to RAM. Some people have had to install with a single stick.
Some earlier programs have 16 bit installers and therefore won't even install on a 64 bit system.
If you didn't know which you had and weren't using over 4 GB of RAM, you likely couldn't tell which you had---unless certain 32 bit progs failed to run properly, which might give you a clue that you had a 64 bit system.
If you just have to be a cutting edge guy--"it's the way of the future" etcetera, go for it. Otherwise, I'd pass barring unusual circumstances.
If you choose to try it, you should confirm through MS that your PC is 64 bit compatible.
Here is a decent synopsis:
http://www.w7forums.com/windows-7-64-bit-vs-32-bit-t484.html |
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Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
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Posted 4 Feb 2010 11:26 am
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I installed Windows 7 64 bit version as my Sonar 8.5. recording program will install and run as a full 64 bit application.
However, there are not many full 64 bit applications, most are still 32 bit (and even Microsoft and other "big name" software products).
If you use some high end graphics, CAD, etc type programs that can benefit from and utilizie more memory then 64 bit will open up memory above 4GB (actually 32 bit OS cannot fully address 4GB and you will have something around 3 to 3.5 GB of RAM available out of 4GB).
Some hardware or the available drivers are only 32 bit. As noted "do your homework" to make sure that the hardware you have has 64 bit drivers and any periphearls also support 64 bit. If you opt for Windows 7 64 bit, you need - at a minimum - Vista 64 bit drivers if Win 7 drivers are not available.
However, if I were going to upgrade to Windows 7 I would opt for the 64 bit version, if compatible, as ultimately 64 bit will be the defacto standard. The Windows 7 discs have both 32 and 64 bit versions on them and you decide at install which you want (if you have a Vista 32 bit OS now you can't "upgrade" to Win 7 64 bit you will have to do a complete new install). If you have XP you will also have to do a complete new install as you can't "upgrade" from XP to Windows 7.
Keep in mind with most PC's the required install sequence is (1) Install Windows (2) Install (motherboard) chipset drivers (3) Install device drivers. Most motherboards require device drivers, which define the devices on or attached to the motherboard and are key to a successful install. |
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James Quackenbush
From:
Pomona, New York, USA
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Posted 4 Feb 2010 1:29 pm
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I run an Apple computer...An iMac .....I will be now giving this computer to my wife to play with as I will be upgrading to a Mac Pro now that Logic 9.1 is upgraded to be the first 64 bit program for the Mac ....For me 64 bit now allows me to run past the 4 gb memory allocation and I will now be able to run many more instances of my programs , plus I can run many more samples because I can load up more memory to run them ....For the average user, 64 bit does not mean all that much , but when you are not the average user like me , 64 bit makes me a happy camper .....  ...( the look of a happy camper ) .....  ...Jim |
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