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Computer question W-7

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PAUL161

PAUL161

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I have W7 32 bit in my new laptop an have no problems with it. I have both 32 bit and 64 bit on the re install disk. What are the advantages and or disadvantages between the two? Will my programs run on 64 bit? PJ
 
Hi Paul - Basically, 32/64 bit refers to the processor unit (CPU) of the computer itself.

If your computer has a 64 bit CPU, then use the 64 bit version of W7. If your computer came with 32 installed, then it's probably not a 64 bit machine.

A 64 bit CPU processes "faster" than a 32 bit CPU, given the same amount of installed hard memory. More memory, 64 bit CPU - faster "processing" and "multi-tasking".

Don't know what apps you run, so can't tell you if 32/64 is material.

Here's more info:

https://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windo...asked-questions

Hope this helps.
Tom
 
99% of what I have runs under W7 64 with absolutely no problems. I have one old color calibration program that has problems, and there's a slew of USB/Serial adapters on the market that simply will not work with any 64 bit OS (Garmin sells one, for example). My solution for that one program is to run it under virtual windows-XP (a good reason to get the "pro" version of windows)...otherwise I've had no issues. Actually I even have some really old DOS programs that wouldn't run under anything newer than Win-98 until Windows-7 came out.

I started testing Win-7 over a year before it was officially released and threw just about everything I had at it. I was really concerned about my own software I've been using for 8 years. When the official release came out I added memory to my laptops and desktop machines and put Win-7 64bit on them without a problem.

The big advantage? A 32-bit os only gives you direct access to roughly 3gb of RAM. Win-7 64-bit lets you use up to 192gb...not to mention letting 64-bit-capable processors do their thing. Not many people will use that much, but starting with 6-8gb these days will go a long way for most people.

Unless you're trying to run some really old hardware or software that requires drivers that just won't play well under 64-bits, or if you're struggling with an older machine with an old processor that won't support 64-bits, then there's really no big reason that I can see <span style="font-style: italic">not</span> to take advantage of 64-bits.
 
My lap top processor is a Compaq duel core QL-62. Will it handle 64 bit and run faster with 64 bit installed? I'm in uncharted territory here, just want to make sure. PJ
 
Well, the AMD spec sheet says "yes".

Just pack as much RAM into it as possible.
 
DrEntropy said:
Well, the AMD spec sheet says "yes".

Just pack as much RAM into it as possible.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys for all the info!

Thanks Doc, will do.
 
Doc - I'm puzzled that Paul's machine came with 32 bit o/s installed, if the cpu supports 64 bit.

Any ideas? Maybe his m/board doesn't support sufficient memory for a 64 bit advantage?

Tom
 
NutmegCT said:
Doc - I'm puzzled that Paul's machine came with 32 bit o/s installed, if the cpu supports 64 bit.

Any ideas? Maybe his m/board doesn't support sufficient memory for a 64 bit advantage?

Tom
Click to expand...
The hardware should handle a 64 bit OS just fine. The reason the computer came loaded with 32 bit is probably compatability with software. Win7 home edition doesn't have the XP option mentioned above, so if you have programs that don't like 64 bit, you're stuck.
 
:iagree:

Likely the Compaq/HP "value added" bloatware won't all run on an x64 O/S. Given the 'special relationship' Microstuff has with the various Name Brand machine makers this is also perhaps a price-point issue.

And, yup... the XP VM will only run on the Pro version of W7x64.
 
I ran the Securable program and it came back saying my machine is 64 bit compatible. So, I'm jumping it up to 64 bit and see if any of my programs have a problem. Will get back. Thanks all! PJ
 
OK, I'm up and running 64 bit. No compatibility issues so far. Computer seems to be running a little faster, but it might be my imagination. So far everything's working as it should. :thumbsup: PJ
 
PAUL161 said:
OK, I'm up and running 64 bit. No compatibility issues so far. Computer seems to be running a little faster, but it might be my imagination. So far everything's working as it should. :thumbsup: PJ
Click to expand...

Hey - great news. When you put on the 64 bit Win7, what applications (Word, Browser, email, business apps, etc.) are/were you running? have you tried them all?

I'm still puzzled that your machine came with 32 bit installed, even tho' it's technically capable of 64 bit. Unless you installed your own apps, and are just lucky they're running in 64 bit mode?

Thanks.
Tom
 
NutmegCT said:
PAUL161 said:
OK, I'm up and running 64 bit. No compatibility issues so far. Computer seems to be running a little faster, but it might be my imagination. So far everything's working as it should. :thumbsup: PJ
Click to expand...

Hey - great news. When you put on the 64 bit Win7, what applications (Word, Browser, email, business apps, etc.) are/were you running? have you tried them all?

I'm still puzzled that your machine came with 32 bit installed, even tho' it's technically capable of 64 bit. Unless you installed your own apps, and are just lucky they're running in 64 bit mode?

Thanks.
Tom
Click to expand...

Thanks Tom! I'm still checking the apps and so far so good. I'm using IE 8 browser along with Flocks latest browser as it has a photo bar hooked up to Photobucket. My email is Incredimail (latest version). All those are working properly. I have other programs, text, photo etc that I haven't checked yet but have high hopes. I definitely believe the machine is running faster. My security program is the just released Trend Micro <span style="text-decoration: underline">Titanium</span>, one of the best out there so far. Will keep advised. PJ
 
Just found out that IE-8 refuses to be defalt browser in 64 bit. Upgraded to IE-9. Seems ok. PJ
 
My new iMac is 64 bit and I installed 64 bit Win 7 (I use bootcamp so I can have moth Win 7 and Mac OS on the same HD). I really like Win 7 so far (compared to XP and (ugh) Vista). Seems MS did their homework this time.
 
Basil said:
My new iMac is 64 bit and I installed 64 bit Win 7 (I use bootcamp so I can have moth Win 7 and Mac OS on the same HD). <span style="font-weight: bold">I really like Win 7 so far</span> (compared to XP and (ugh) Vista). Seems MS did their homework this time.
Click to expand...
And still you got a Mac :rolleyes:
 
I didn't like W-7 at first, but like everything else, once I got use to the built in safe guards, I liked it more and more. Now running 64 bit, everything is running properly, things seem to have sped up somewhat and that's a good thing. PJ
 
GregW said:
Basil said:
My new iMac is 64 bit and I installed 64 bit Win 7 (I use bootcamp so I can have moth Win 7 and Mac OS on the same HD). <span style="font-weight: bold">I really like Win 7 so far</span> (compared to XP and (ugh) Vista). Seems MS did their homework this time.
Click to expand...
And still you got a Mac :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

The best of both worlds.
 
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