Do I Really Want a 64-Bit Computer?

If you want to be able to use more than 3GB of RAM you will need a 64 bit OS.

I still use XP64 on a day to day basis but Win7 is looking better and better the more I use it.

There are different version for both 32 and 64 bit Windows operating systems. The choice of versions has nothing to do with the choice of how the bus-width (32 or 64).

You need to figure out what you plan to do with the PC before buying a new one. As mentioned previously, the 32 bit version cannot address memory above 4 GB.

Everyone hates Vista (even Microsoft) so you are not telling us anything there. I skipped Vista and built my own PC for the 7 beta on which I installed 32-bit (all beta versions are "Ultimate"). I used 4 GB memory.

Then I installed the release candidate, but this time tried the 64-bit "Ultimate".

Now I need to decide when and whether to install the commercial version of 7.

But since I don't have a prior version preinstalled, I'm waiting for Mickeysoft to offer a reasonable OEM version or family pack. I can't see paying almost as much for the OS as the PC cost new. I will definately consider Linux, or other OS's if I can't get a deal.

Printers that worked on 32-bit won't work on 64-bit without new drivers, etc. Each time the installation is done requires reinstalling all apps.

The main benefit that I have over old PC's is a decent GPU needed for the full 7 experience. If you buy a prebuild PC, you will probably get a crap graphics card. This is the advantage to building your own.

I can now stream video which was a problem before with an AGP card (you need PCI Express).

But, first you need to figure out if you plan to stream video.

The funniest thing is gamers who build around $300 cases, dual graphics cars, etc.

All they needed was XBox 360!! HaHa.

Read Tom's Hardware Guide if you want to know what is going on. Not this blog. An absolutely cool site. There is nothing that Tom doesn't know about PC hardware.

In fact, he knows moer about hardware than Microsoft.

I bought a new Toshiba 64 bit laptop and my HP 9800 printer worked for about a month,then sudgenly would ot comunicate with the laptop. Installed a new cable, no help. Toshiba said the problem was with HP. HP said so sorry no drivers were avialable for the 9800 for a 64 bit machine. But that they would give me a killer deal on a new HP 7000 $179.00 I got the same machine from office max for $149.95 delivered. I suspect that I will have a similar problem with my scanner as it wont communicate either.

A few years ago when 64bit systems were just starting to hit the market there would be some issues with certain software not working correctly for 64bit. Since that time, it has become mainstream enough that virtually all software is either compatible or has an alternate version for 64bit OS.

Check out this article.
Why You Should Go 64-Bit With Windows 7

Hi there.

My computer is my office, my study room, entertainment centre, banking machine, you name it.

6 Months ago i tried going 64 bits on my new "super" computer. The end result was that I had to buy a new Windows and go back on the 32 bit O.S. just because even the so called "64 bit compliant" software was somehow screwie, even internet, some web sites wouldn't just work ... couldn't play a DVD on it ... forget about using any software you already own ... freeware, shareware, you name it ... you will have to buy every single piece of software you will be using on that machine ... a vast majority of software "manufacturers" IT IS NOT 64 BIT COMPLIANT.

If you need your computer to be a reliable workhorse, stay away from the 64 bit O.S.

All of the best.

It all depends on what YOU want to use the computer for. For everyday home use and some light mechanical and circuit CAD work, I use one similar to this

Dell-Desktop

and would replace it with something similar (functional yet cheap!!). I set up a dual boot into Windows or Linux and get to use the best of both worlds. A more powerful system is usually needed for "work", but that is usually supplied by the company. I haven't needed that kind of power at home, but applications like high end 3D CAD and the newest games certainly do need something more.

Happy hunting!

Yeper pull the trigger on a 64bit machine and you'll not need to deal with a memory restriction later.

Windows 7 is the 64bit O/S to get; will it have a glitch? Probably but so what a service pack should be out about first of the year and it'll run 32bit software and devices too.

If you're not wanting to take advantage of the new stuff just get a Pentium dual core and XP pro 64bit but in a year you'll kick yourself. But if you need it, get a Vista ultimate 64bit machine and install XP into it, then when you're ready just upgrade to 7

Some software will either not work on a 64 bit OS or is not made for 64bit....check up first.

The hardware (Modern PC) should be able to run either OS as you wish......

I just purchased a new Toshiba Satellite L505 64-bit machine loaded with Vista. The first thing I did was format c:\, then loaded two versions of Linux- Ubuntu 9.04 (32-bit) and Ubuntu 9.10 (64-bit). Both work flawlessly with my old Cannon MP160 printer/scanner, without having to load any special drivers at all (appropriate drivers are built in to the distros). The machine has only 3 meg of memory, so I don't really have the ability to test 64-bit to the maximum. In fact, I have yet to see any of my programs swap out any memory at all, although I have done my best to drive it to that point. What I have gained with the 64-bit is access to the dual core processor, and for a couple of apps, this seems to accelerate things a bit. The only problem I have had is with a 3D FEA package, running the same version on both distros. There is a bit of a graphics challenge here, because the laptop came with an integrated Intel 4 Series graphics package- I would have better performance with an NVIDIA card. The 64-bit instance runs legacy 32-bit software with no problems (at least in the cases where I have tested them). I can't really speack for Windows, although some of my old Windows apps run fine in VirtualBox 0n both instances (I do believe the VirtualBox version I am using in both cases runs in 32-bit mode).

This is not intended as a critical review of hardware or software, nor should it be considered a report of in-depth testing. Just my personal experiences so far. In a month or two, I may change my mind...

The graphics challenge is a Linux issue, good luck with that. I expect you meant 3GB of memory not 3 meg...

I have slightly changed the name of this blog to better reflect reality.....I hope nobody is upset?

My Mother made me a Homosexual!

If I give her the wool, will she make me one too?

A local shepard was arrested after the police caught him trying to make a ewe turn.