Windows 64-bit?

S

Setec Astronomy

Well-known member
At work, we have good reasons to be using a 64-bit OS, but our initial foray a couple of years ago (with XP) produced a lot of driver issues and an unsatisfactory result.



I was just browsing the Dell website, and I notice that they are offering the 64-bit version of Vista on both laptops and desktops at pretty much the entry level, and at no additional cost. Can I interpret this to mean that the compatibility issues are pretty much gone, and that this is a workable OS in the hands of non-IT people?
 
I believe so, I ordered the 64 bit on my new laptop and so far I have not seen any problems. I think you might see issues with some esoteric hardware (I haven't tried it with a VAG-COM cable or any of the other rarer accessories yet).
 
Honestly, I recommend you wait for Windows 7. It is better in every respect than Vista, and should be shipping in less than 30 days. My beta has been absolutely bulletproof.
 
I've been running 64bit forever. In fact, the laptop I am typing this on is on 64bit Xp. My desktop at work is 64bit Vista, my editing machines are 64bit (Win7). My 13 servers at the office are 64bit. I use 64 bit everywhere I have 64bit CPUs.



Is every driver available in 64bit? No. But if you have modern peripherals (built in the last 3-4 years) then 64bit should be no issue.
 
I can't speak for Dells, but my employer picked up a bunch of HP laptops and desktops with 64-bit Vista.



Vista may be okay, but HP's windows updates are terrible for the 64bit system. We have problems with drivers that have nothing to do with the updates; losing USB ports, audio goes out, lose printer drivers....



DON'T GET AN HP.
 
I've been running 64-bit Vista for almost a year without a hitch. I had ONE program that had an issue and I had to manually bypass the 64-bit option for that program. (It was some small 3rd party add-on for a game, nothing main stream).



As for Windows 7, I have heard nothing but positive reviews for it.
 
I've been running 64-bit Vista Ultimate for over a year now with no issues what-so-ever other than I had to go find a 64-bit print driver for my Dell Laser Printer. Otherwise, no compatibility issues at all.
 
If you have less than 4gb ram go 32bit XP :) or better ubuntu, otherwise wait for windows 7 hopefully would be really better than vista, you can pick up a laptop now and get (i think) free windows 7 upgrade, so no worries there. But seriously unless you are doing server/database applications or have 4gb of ram stay away
 
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