Any viable reason to install XP 64-bit?

[SunnyD]

Other than bragging rights, is there any reason to install XP 64-bit? I have a copy, and am contemplating it, but will it break any apps?

I know drivers are another story, but about the only thing I need drivers for is NVIDIA, which they have them.

And lastly, is there any drawbacks in performance with XP 64 for daily use?

 

[Nothinman]

but will it break any apps?

Sure, anything that's 32-bit needs 32-bit versions of all libararies for which it's dependent. Anything 16-bit won't work at all AFAIK. Until XP64 becomes more mainstream you're essentially a beta tester, everything might be fine or it might not, the only way to know is to try.

And lastly, is there any drawbacks in performance with XP 64 for daily use?

Depends on the app, but in general it should be a little bit faster, the extra GPRs are only available in 64-bit mode. Of course since most of your apps are 32-bit it probably won't make much of a difference except for in Windows itself.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: Nothinman

but will it break any apps?

Sure, anything that's 32-bit needs 32-bit versions of all libararies for which it's dependent. Anything 16-bit won't work at all AFAIK. Until XP64 becomes more mainstream you're essentially a beta tester, everything might be fine or it might not, the only way to know is to try.

And lastly, is there any drawbacks in performance with XP 64 for daily use?

Depends on the app, but in general it should be a little bit faster, the extra GPRs are only available in 64-bit mode. Of course since most of your apps are 32-bit it probably won't make much of a difference except for in Windows itself.

Currently, Windows XP runs WOW for 16-bit apps (Windows on Windows), so I would venture a guess that XP64's WOW layer should support 16-bit as well as 32-bit apps. Logical yes, in all actuallity, who knows.

 

[Nothinman]

Currently, Windows XP runs WOW for 16-bit apps (Windows on Windows), so I would venture a guess that XP64's WOW layer should support 16-bit as well as 32-bit apps. Logical yes, in all actuallity, who knows.

AFAIK, no it doesn't. It does WOW for 32-bit apps but 16-bit ones aren't support anymore.

 

[pcgeek11]

If you have the supproted HW and drivers... and a legal licensed copy, why waste it, why not I did and its great... Nothing to write home about as far as speed improvements. Just note that not all software will run on a 64 bit system: Home versions of Norton and Diskeeper will not. I went to Avast AV and Perfect disk. do some research and it will be just fine... Just don't expect magic because it is 64 bit. As stated earlier 32 bit runs under WOW and 16 Bits are a no go.

pcgeek

 

[pkme2]

If you got it, use it. You will need to do your research for certain software, but what the heck, that's what its for. Have fun.

 

[dman]

Anyone know, does Vista support 16bit apps?

 

[Budman]

Originally posted by: dman
Anyone know, does Vista support 16bit apps?

Nope, you'll have to install windows 3.1 for that.