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OS for A64?

narcotic

Golden Member
getting a new A64 rig, I know MS released windows xp 64bit, which you can get for free, and use it for a year. So, what happens when that year passes? and besides, how does win-64 preform, i.e. is there any performance gain, if yes, then where? (games, desktop apps. etc.), and offcourse what's the bottom line, use win-64 or just install the "regular" (32-bit) xp-pro I own?
 
just install regular xp pro. My a64 works just fine with it, playing games all the time.

I think after the year is up, you just can't log on anymore. Not sure if it kills your data or anything, however.

If you truly want a good 64-bit OS: Fedora core 3 64-bit. For free.
 
the problem for me with linux, or any free OS for that matter, is that I want to be able to do some gaming, and I don't recall many of my favorite games released for Linux, so although linux is very VERY user friendly these days (unlike when I first installed it 7 years ago..), but still I want to play. Anyway, did anyone actually ran/run win-64? I want to know how it runs, and if its worth the trouble of having it for only a year.
 
Install Microsoft Windows Experience Professional for regular x86 32-bit.

Install the x86-64 version when it goes final, and there are more games and stable drivers for it.
 
Winxp64 bit can be stable, but it does have some compatibility problems. Just get the regular windows xp, and it will work just like previous pcs, but only much faster.
 
Originally posted by: narcotic
the problem for me with linux, or any free OS for that matter, is that I want to be able to do some gaming, and I don't recall many of my favorite games released for Linux, so although linux is very VERY user friendly these days (unlike when I first installed it 7 years ago..), but still I want to play.

It all depends on what you mean by your favorite games. I use linux and still play all the games I want. I can play doom3 natively (argued by some to be better on linux) and ut2004 natively and a 64bit version. For other games there is Cedega, which is kind of like a emulator although not. This doesn't support all games but does all I've been interested in so far ie. Hitman contracts and GTA
 
All 32 bit software is "supposed" to work with x64 so that's really not an issue. Drivers can be though. Of all the hardware in my system, only my TV tuner has no drivers. Mobo and video card are covered and seem to be working really well under WinXP x64 v1421.
 
AFAIK Drivers still pretty much suck for XP 64.

Also, you don't need a 64bit OS to take advantage of an A64's performance.
 
Originally posted by: piroroadkill
Install Microsoft Windows Experience Professional for regular x86 32-bit.

Install the x86-64 version when it goes final, and there are more games and stable drivers for it.

I'm in your same position narcotic. I think piro's advice is good.

As far as I can tell, there are NO advantages to using wxp 64 right now. It's not that it doesn't work but you will have a little more difficulty finding drivers. When wxp64 goes final or some awesome 64 bit software comes out, I'm making the switch. For now, there's no point.
 
I believe when the 64-bit OS is out Microsoft is letting current owners of the 32-bit version trade for the new 64-bit OS.
 
Yes, what you are all saying is true. There will be a trade up allowed. And there is no benefit *now* to running x64. And driver support for x64 can be spotty. And some applications don't like x64 even when then are supposed to run just fine in x86 mode.

But overall I am having fun beta testing this new OS. I guess that's why I offer my PC to microsoft as a guinea pig for every OS (98 -> XP x64 so far). If you like messing with new stuff and don't care if certain apps don't work, I say go for it or even dual boot.
 
Originally posted by: Tarrant64
I believe when the 64-bit OS is out Microsoft is letting current owners of the 32-bit version trade for the new 64-bit OS.

are you sure about that? I mean not that its gonna make a difference in my decision now (seems like I'll stick to my 32-but version as you all advised), but just out of curiousity, you really belive MS is gonna let you have somthing for free (other than time limited beta-testing)..?

 
Dual boot is always a good option. I find dual booting is always the best when you don't want to risk losing data or having an inoperatable OS.
 
Originally posted by: narcotic
Originally posted by: Tarrant64
I believe when the 64-bit OS is out Microsoft is letting current owners of the 32-bit version trade for the new 64-bit OS.

are you sure about that? I mean not that its gonna make a difference in my decision now (seems like I'll stick to my 32-but version as you all advised), but just out of curiousity, you really belive MS is gonna let you have somthing for free (other than time limited beta-testing)..?

Yes, i'm 100% sure about it. It's been stated a few times on the forums and I've read it several times now from microsoft among other web sites.
 
Don't bother looking in the Operating System forum. There is no information there. That is not the forum you're looking for. Move along. 😛
 
quote:
----------------------------------------------
I believe when the 64-bit OS is out Microsoft is letting current owners of the 32-bit version trade for the new 64-bit OS.
----------------------------------------------

for free?????
That doesn't sound like the microsoft I know and love.....hmmmmmmm
 
Originally posted by: daniel49
quote:
----------------------------------------------
I believe when the 64-bit OS is out Microsoft is letting current owners of the 32-bit version trade for the new 64-bit OS.
----------------------------------------------

for free?????
That doesn't sound like the microsoft I know and love.....hmmmmmmm

Yeah, I have heard that also. I think it may only apply to the Pro version though. It would be a trade program, niot just mailing you a free retail copy...
 
Originally posted by: SrGuapo
Originally posted by: daniel49
quote:
----------------------------------------------
I believe when the 64-bit OS is out Microsoft is letting current owners of the 32-bit version trade for the new 64-bit OS.
----------------------------------------------

for free?????
That doesn't sound like the microsoft I know and love.....hmmmmmmm

Yeah, I have heard that also. I think it may only apply to the Pro version though. It would be a trade program, niot just mailing you a free retail copy...


Exactly, that's why i said 'trade'. You're actually giving up something to get something, which is expected.
 
And actually, no one is going to force you to trade in your XP Pro for x64. You can keep your older copy and just buy the new x64 OS. But for me, I use my one Pro license on my A64 computer so it makes perfect sense to trade up.
 
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