Why use 64bit?
Friday, February 23, 2007 by Fuzzy Logic | Discussion: Windows Vista
I'm just curious to know why so many people are using 64bit Vista. Most applications are 32bit only and won't run on 64bit. Also 32bit applications with 64bit compatibility actually run slower on 64bit than they do on 32bit. Genuine 64bit applications should fly along of course, but there aren't many out there.
We had a similar choice when installing 6 new Windows 2003 servers recently. We ended up with only one 64bit server (SQL) because none of the currently available software (including Exchange 2003) would run on 64bit. All the other servers are 32bit. The future may be 64bit, but that isn't going to happen for a while.
So the question remains, why did you install 64bit Vista? I read about so many people having compatability problems with 64bit just makes me wonder 
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Jan71
Reply #2 Friday, February 23, 2007 2:06 PM
Reply #2 Friday, February 23, 2007 2:06 PM
Because at one moment or another we will see 64 bit applications appear ?
Because I have a 64bit Intel processor, and want to use it to it's full capacity ?
Or maybe just because I like to brag
At one point of time I made the mistake of not buying a 32 bit processor, but choose for the "faster "16 bits. That was, until the 32 bit applications began to pop up. Especially when playing games, it was like watching a slideshow. Being a student at the time, I was stuck.
I do not want to make this same mistake twice. Vista is new and driver support is poor at the moment anyway. Why not take advantage of the opportunity, and jump on the 64 bits wagon immediately ? If the crowd is big enough (and from reading on several forums this seems effectively the case), this will force HW manufacturers to develop proper 64bit drivers from the start.
I am running 64bit Vista since it came out, and it is growing on me. I have only problems with one driver not being available, but for that piece of HW there are no 32 bit drivers out neiter.
Because I have a 64bit Intel processor, and want to use it to it's full capacity ?
Or maybe just because I like to brag
At one point of time I made the mistake of not buying a 32 bit processor, but choose for the "faster "16 bits. That was, until the 32 bit applications began to pop up. Especially when playing games, it was like watching a slideshow. Being a student at the time, I was stuck.
I do not want to make this same mistake twice. Vista is new and driver support is poor at the moment anyway. Why not take advantage of the opportunity, and jump on the 64 bits wagon immediately ? If the crowd is big enough (and from reading on several forums this seems effectively the case), this will force HW manufacturers to develop proper 64bit drivers from the start.
I am running 64bit Vista since it came out, and it is growing on me. I have only problems with one driver not being available, but for that piece of HW there are no 32 bit drivers out neiter.
bennnnny
Reply #3 Friday, February 23, 2007 2:26 PM
Reply #3 Friday, February 23, 2007 2:26 PM
I am using Vista 64bit really for no good reason, just for the fact that maybe sometime i will see a benefit. There arent many 16 bit apps so no worries that i cannot run them.
I heard somewhere that Vista 64 should in theory be more stable than 32 bit because it only allows signed drivers to be installed. Plus theres a few other security benefits for 64bit Vista. The only other advantage is something to do the the DEP Data Execution Protection that is supposed to be improved.
It all sounds pretty good, pity i have no idea what it actually means.
I heard somewhere that Vista 64 should in theory be more stable than 32 bit because it only allows signed drivers to be installed. Plus theres a few other security benefits for 64bit Vista. The only other advantage is something to do the the DEP Data Execution Protection that is supposed to be improved.
It all sounds pretty good, pity i have no idea what it actually means.
dcyphure
Reply #4 Saturday, February 24, 2007 10:11 AM
Reply #4 Saturday, February 24, 2007 10:11 AM
FOR GAMES!!!
pc games if developed for it could see some better benefits, higher ram options are also a benefit for the future in say 3 years from now when 3.5 gigs wont be enough...and you all know that will happen so 64bit will be a must before too much longer.
i bet ms's next OS is pure 64bit
pc games if developed for it could see some better benefits, higher ram options are also a benefit for the future in say 3 years from now when 3.5 gigs wont be enough...and you all know that will happen so 64bit will be a must before too much longer.
i bet ms's next OS is pure 64bit
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #5 Saturday, February 24, 2007 11:19 AM
Reply #5 Saturday, February 24, 2007 11:19 AM
Again today there are several posts from people having trouble getting software to run on 64bit Vista.
There doesn't currently appear to be any valid reason for using 64bit, but there are 999,999 reasons for not using it!
aufisch
Reply #6 Sunday, February 25, 2007 3:05 AM
Reply #6 Sunday, February 25, 2007 3:05 AM
He, he Fuzzy, you are right of course.
Right now there is no real reason to install a 64bit OS.
The reason I did it anyway is that if you buy OEM, you don't get both versions as in the retail Version. Since I bought a new computer and only really can afford to buy the OEM version, I had to decide:
Stick with 32bit > have less problems at the beginning > but have to buy a new OS, if I ever want to run 64bit Software, or not being able to run that software at all. (And 64bit software will come out the next few years)
or
Jump onto the 64bit version > have more problems intially (so far my ony problem has been with DeskScape) > but don't have to buy an expensive retail version or another OEM version later.
Since I expect this computer to last for another 3-4 years, the second option seemed the better one for me.
I have to say though that I am surprised how well everything (except DeskScape) works on my 64bit system. I initially planned on making a double boot-system together with WinXP Professional (32bit) for exactly the anticipated compatibility issues, but I realise now that this is not really necessary as Vista 64bit has been running everything I have put on it so far (inklusive my games, and even those that upon install scream: "known compatiblity issue"), and XP won't run DeskScape anyways..... so I might use my second hard-drive to play around with Ubuntu again instead.
Right now there is no real reason to install a 64bit OS.
The reason I did it anyway is that if you buy OEM, you don't get both versions as in the retail Version. Since I bought a new computer and only really can afford to buy the OEM version, I had to decide:
Stick with 32bit > have less problems at the beginning > but have to buy a new OS, if I ever want to run 64bit Software, or not being able to run that software at all. (And 64bit software will come out the next few years)
or
Jump onto the 64bit version > have more problems intially (so far my ony problem has been with DeskScape) > but don't have to buy an expensive retail version or another OEM version later.
Since I expect this computer to last for another 3-4 years, the second option seemed the better one for me.
I have to say though that I am surprised how well everything (except DeskScape) works on my 64bit system. I initially planned on making a double boot-system together with WinXP Professional (32bit) for exactly the anticipated compatibility issues, but I realise now that this is not really necessary as Vista 64bit has been running everything I have put on it so far (inklusive my games, and even those that upon install scream: "known compatiblity issue"), and XP won't run DeskScape anyways..... so I might use my second hard-drive to play around with Ubuntu again instead.
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #7 Sunday, February 25, 2007 3:24 AM
Reply #7 Sunday, February 25, 2007 3:24 AM
At least you have a valid reason for choosing 64bit. Interestingly, I'm told DeskScapes should work on 64bit... 
I'm currently running dual boot with XP. There are two main reasons for that: The first is my system is SLi using 2 x GeForce 7600GTs and the current set of nVidia Vista drivers do not support SLi. That means Vista gaming is not up to scratch yet. The second reason is my camera software, Nikonview 6, will not run on Vista, and there are no plans to update it. So, if I want to process my photos it has to be XP - or spend an extortionate amount on new software.
Anyway, seems most people haven't a clue why they are using 64bit or the possible problems they may encounter
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #8 Sunday, February 25, 2007 3:26 AM
Reply #8 Sunday, February 25, 2007 3:26 AM
Oh, almost forgot I have to use XP still for moderating purposes...
I have to use XP still for moderating purposes...
XX
Reply #9 Sunday, February 25, 2007 4:41 PM
Reply #9 Sunday, February 25, 2007 4:41 PM
Actually you can order a 32 bit DVD for just 10 bucks. The serial number is valid for 32 bit or 64 bit, just not BOTH at once. 
vStyler
Reply #10 Sunday, February 25, 2007 4:53 PM
Reply #10 Sunday, February 25, 2007 4:53 PM
My New PC came with full 64 XP bit pro disc.. seemed cool at the time..until Photoshop menus looked like hell, My webcam drivers weren't available from logitech.. etc etc etc.
So now im back to 32 bit, with my 64 bit disc sitting in a drawer, useless to me.
honestly I didnt see any noticable increase in speed, reliability or..anything.
So now im back to 32 bit, with my 64 bit disc sitting in a drawer, useless to me.
honestly I didnt see any noticable increase in speed, reliability or..anything.
Gideon MacLeish
Reply #11 Sunday, February 25, 2007 5:39 PM
Reply #11 Sunday, February 25, 2007 5:39 PM
I haven't run Vista on a home machine yet, but since I'm planning on putting together a pretty sharp system, I'm hoping there are more 64-bit apps so that I can purchase 64 bit Vista. Why? Because nobody ever got rich on the trailing edge of technology, and I'm not putting together a high dollar machine only to wish I had made it 64-bit in 6 months.
Yeah, it's silly to jump into 64-bit so quickly if you don't know what you are doing, but if the alternative will be an expensive upgrade later, I can see why someone would choose it.
Yeah, it's silly to jump into 64-bit so quickly if you don't know what you are doing, but if the alternative will be an expensive upgrade later, I can see why someone would choose it.
vStyler
Reply #12 Sunday, February 25, 2007 5:54 PM
Reply #12 Sunday, February 25, 2007 5:54 PM
My Advice would be to hold off.. use 32 bit until the software and drivers catch up..
if not.. i can assure you you will get frustrated quickly.
if not.. i can assure you you will get frustrated quickly.
terpfan1980
Reply #13 Sunday, February 25, 2007 5:57 PM
Reply #13 Sunday, February 25, 2007 5:57 PM
I went 64-bit because I had a 64-bit processor (X2) that was being used at far less than it's potential by running a 32-bit OS on it.
I see some folks saying that there are problems with applications not running on it, etc., but that is mostly fear mongering based on a *few* bad applications that have issues on the OS.
In my case I use core OS apps (the media center components), and a few other applications (AnyDVD and CloneDVD for making backup copies of DVDs before letting my less than careful family members have the originals to destroy for me
) and not much else.
If you are trying to play games, or trying to run lots of applications, then 32-bit might be the recommendation for now, but sooner or later 64-bit will hit critical mass. You can get with the program now, or wait until later and have to upgrade to get the performance at that time. I'd rather install 64-bit now and wait for new apps than have to go back and re-install the OS later on.
I see some folks saying that there are problems with applications not running on it, etc., but that is mostly fear mongering based on a *few* bad applications that have issues on the OS.
In my case I use core OS apps (the media center components), and a few other applications (AnyDVD and CloneDVD for making backup copies of DVDs before letting my less than careful family members have the originals to destroy for me
) and not much else.If you are trying to play games, or trying to run lots of applications, then 32-bit might be the recommendation for now, but sooner or later 64-bit will hit critical mass. You can get with the program now, or wait until later and have to upgrade to get the performance at that time. I'd rather install 64-bit now and wait for new apps than have to go back and re-install the OS later on.
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #14 Sunday, February 25, 2007 6:37 PM
Reply #14 Sunday, February 25, 2007 6:37 PM
The only message coming across to me is people in general have no idea what 64bit computing is, and what the advantages/disadvantages are
Gideon MacLeish
Reply #15 Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:07 PM
No, from my POV it's not that at all, Fuzzy. I had no idea how easy it would be to upgrade Vista from 32-bit to 64-bit when I submitted my response (I read XX's post later). My point was (and is) that when 64 bit DOES become the norm, 32 bit will be obsolete...meaning if you want cutting edge apps, you had better have a machine that is ready to handle it.
I'm not going to submit an essay just to prove my knowledge, but I AM keeping up on it. My case mod is probably a good 6-8 months from being finished (money being the major limiting factor at this time...to do what I want is going to run me $1200-1500) but because of the cost, I want to be VERY careful to make sure the machine is WORTH it.
Reply #15 Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:07 PM
The only message coming across to me is people in general have no idea what 64bit computing is, and what the advantages/disadvantages are
No, from my POV it's not that at all, Fuzzy. I had no idea how easy it would be to upgrade Vista from 32-bit to 64-bit when I submitted my response (I read XX's post later). My point was (and is) that when 64 bit DOES become the norm, 32 bit will be obsolete...meaning if you want cutting edge apps, you had better have a machine that is ready to handle it.
I'm not going to submit an essay just to prove my knowledge, but I AM keeping up on it. My case mod is probably a good 6-8 months from being finished (money being the major limiting factor at this time...to do what I want is going to run me $1200-1500) but because of the cost, I want to be VERY careful to make sure the machine is WORTH it.
Frogboy
Reply #16 Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:23 PM
Reply #16 Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:23 PM
I would not run Vista 64-bit yet. I know of far too many programs and drivers that don't support it yet.
When it gets better supported, I would use it because it can address more memory.
Lantec
Reply #17 Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:25 PM
Reply #17 Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:25 PM
Now that Vista's out I figure 3 years from now 64bit will be the standard but personally I'll wait for Vista SP2 before making the switch on my home systems. My office computers will have to wait until critical software (AutoCAD mainly) has moved to the 64bit platform and even then as the "industry standard". I only intend upgrading Office computers as they are replaced so it could be 5 or 6 years before I'm all 64bit.
Gideon MacLeish
Reply #18 Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:33 PM
Good call.
On my home network, I will be running one 64 bit computer on a network of about 5 computers (by the end of the year). As I look at the requirements for various tech jobs, I see a lot of requests for cross platform experience, so I believe it would be wise to be as knowledgable about 64 bit computing as about 32 bit, in the same way that it is wise to be knowledgable aboud various operating systems.
Reply #18 Sunday, February 25, 2007 7:33 PM
Now that Vista's out I figure 3 years from now 64bit will be the standard but personally I'll wait for Vista SP2 before making the switch on my home systems. My office computers will have to wait until critical software (AutoCAD mainly) has moved to the 64bit platform and even then as the "industry standard". I only intend upgrading Office computers as they are replaced so it could be 5 or 6 years before I'm all 64bit.
Good call.
On my home network, I will be running one 64 bit computer on a network of about 5 computers (by the end of the year). As I look at the requirements for various tech jobs, I see a lot of requests for cross platform experience, so I believe it would be wise to be as knowledgable about 64 bit computing as about 32 bit, in the same way that it is wise to be knowledgable aboud various operating systems.
vStyler
Reply #19 Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:41 PM
If just ONE app that is invaluable to me on an hourly, even daily basis doesn't function then no amount of other reasons will convince me otherwise.....and..
Its significantly more than one.
Reply #19 Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:41 PM
see some folks saying that there are problems with applications not running on it, etc., but that is mostly fear mongering based on a *few* bad applications that have issues on the OS.
If just ONE app that is invaluable to me on an hourly, even daily basis doesn't function then no amount of other reasons will convince me otherwise.....and..
Its significantly more than one.
vStyler
Reply #20 Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:46 PM
Reply #20 Sunday, February 25, 2007 11:46 PM
I would not run Vista 64-bit yet. I know of far too many programs and drivers that don't support it yet.
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Reply #1 Friday, February 23, 2007 1:45 PM
System config.
AMD Turion64 1.6ghz
2GB Ram
ATI 200M Video
Major Apps
Office 2007
iTunes
Pe Builder
Gaim IM Client
Plus a load of little things that make it more usfull.
It all runs well and I am on it all day. Not only has it been stable for the 6 month that I beta tested the release version was even faster.
I cannot wait for apps to start showing up in 64bit versions it can only get better from here.