Thread: The Pros and Cons of 64-bit Windows 7

The Pros and Cons of 64-bit Windows 7

Why 64-Bit Windows Rocks???

In a 32-bit operating system, memory addresses are 32 bits in length, limiting the total number of unique addresses available to around 4 billion—effectively capping the total amount of memory your system can use at one time to 4GB.

With 64 bit addresses, an operating system could theoretically use up to 16.8 million terabytes of RAM. Now, you’re obviously not going to have access to that kind of hardware for quite a while, but it does mean you’re actually going to be able to take advantage of today’s dirt-cheap memory prices.

Why 64-bit Windows Doesn’t Rock So Much???

You need at least 4GB of memory

This one should be obvious: a 64-bit OS won’t help you if you don’t have at least 4GB of memory (It will help a little bit if you have exactly 4GB, as 32-bit Windows actually limits you to using 3.5 GB, for other reasons). Still, if you’re still rocking 2GB of memory (or less) you should really upgrade; it’s dead simple and will barely make a dent in your pocketbook.

32-bit drivers don’t work anymore

Generally, 32-bit applications work in 64-bit Windows, but the same can’t be said for drivers.

Some software breaks in 64-bit Windows

It’s less common than hardware issues, but some programs do break in 64-bit Windows. Particularly, old programs written for pre-XP versions of Windows may not work in 64-bit Windows 7. If you’re still running a 16-bit program for some reason, it definitely won’t work in a 64-bit operating system.

Not all software benefits from 64-bit

Finally, consider that when you upgrade to a 64-bit OS, all your programs won’t magically start taking advantage of the extra memory. A program has to be written and optimized with 64-bit processors in mind, and right now that’s a minority of all programs. If you mostly use your PC for browsing the web, for instance, you probably won’t see much of an increase in speed with 64-bit Windows, because none of the major browsers have official 64-bit versions (for that, blame Flash, which is firmly 32-bit).

Hey, no one has seen ths thread.............

Good one ................................

i saw ur thread.but was lazy to reply

Good info.

I use 64 bit with 4GB RAM.

Can't rep.

Yes.. i was using windows 7 x64, but didn't felt so much faster.. And was a great problem with the modem driver.. Now I replaced with windows 7 32bit, feeling same performance and modem driver works (as it's for x84).

Toshiba L510 laptop: Core2Due 2.20, 3Gb

Nice article. Rep added. I've installed Windows 7 64-bit on my frnds Notebook and it's working like a charm. Thanks to Acer which has released the Drivers for all the versions of Windows 7 Operating System for models which were shipped with the Windows XP Operating System.

More information and links here :
The Pros and Cons of 64-bit Windows 7 | Maximum PC

//www.maximumpc.com/article/features/should_you_upgrade_64bit_windows_7

More information here.
The Pros and Cons of 64-bit Windows 7 | Maximum PC

for more information see this link.
tinyurl.com/yheoy3s

The Pros and Cons of 64-bit Windows 7 | Maximum PC

Some software breaks in 64-bit Windows

its like 1 in 100000 cauz all those apps developed using .Net will work , problem is with VB 6 apps which are rare as all apps are .net based.



Not all software benefits from 64-bit and 32-bit drivers don’t work anymore
again, its not a CON of 64 bit OS, its the developer/company who has to take care while building applications.

Bottom Line : We have to move on to 64 bit as all games and resource hungry apps require more than 4GB of RAM and hence the move...

now a days all hardware manu. have 64 bit drivers....

m using 64 bit OS and its awesome...my VS 2010 , PS 64 bit opens like notepad.

Pros: Definite improvement in startup from hibernation when compared to Vista....

Cons: Still lags a bit with heavy applications like Visual Studio....

Hi

Even though many of use the 64 bit OS but to the fact we are not using the real strength of the 64 bit OS. The 64 bit application is very limited but the one which works are fine and good compared with the 32 bit