The 64 Bit question - Upgrade

[Pabster]

You have a very modern system, OP. Go with Vista x64 and enjoy.

The amount of FUD spread around vis-a-vi Vista and x64 continues to amaze me.

 

[JustaGeek]

Originally posted by: Pabster
You have a very modern system, OP. Go with Vista x64 and enjoy.

The amount of FUD spread around vis-a-vi Vista and x64 continues to amaze me.

He is already running Vista.

Let me repeat:

"The best case scenario - the OP will not see ANY difference at all.

The worst case scenario - some of his programs will not work."

 

[Pabster]

I beg to differ, JustaGeek. 64-bit software runs faster. Hell, Firefox 64-bit is noticeably snappier than the 32-bit counterpart under x64.

He will also have room to expand RAM and make full use of it.

Driver support for x64 is fantastic now. There's no reason not to go to it.

 

[pm]

Where did you get 64-bit Firefox? The only ones that I found with Google are Alpha releases of Firefox 3 from back in Sept.

Thanks

 

[Pabster]

Check out start64.com

They also have 64-bit native builds of Thunderbird.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: pm
Where did you get 64-bit Firefox? The only ones that I found with Google are Alpha releases of Firefox 3 from back in Sept.

Thanks

Link.

New version!
The version requiring no installation of 64-bit Firefox has now been released! The official name is Firefox (Bon Echo) Community Edition Release.

The downloaded file is a self-extracting archive, which, when executed, creates a folder named Firefox Community Edition at the selected location. This folder includes the file named firefox.exe, which is used to execute the 64-bit program. Thereafter, the software can be used as usual.

Version release date: 2008-02-01

 

[Pabster]

Thanks, Mem, I didn't feel like linking

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: Pabster
Thanks, Mem, I didn't feel like linking

Np,there's plenty of 64 bit software if people take the time to search,Thunderbird 64 bit version works fine in Vista x64(been using it for 9 months now) .

 

[Pabster]

Yeah, I love the 64-bit builds. They're great.

 

[imported_wired247]

In the event that software compatibility issues appear, I would probably dual boot another appropriate OS.

As far as your base OS, I am running vista 64 now and I love it.

IMHO there's very little reason to stick with Vista 32, not the least of which is the lack of RAM support.

and FWIW, my university license was interchangeable between vista 32/64

 

[QueBert]

I'm stuck in this same boat, my OEM Vista has both on it, has 32 bit installed if b0ffed and I was thinking about puttin 64 on. My printer (ip4000) has no 64bit drivers and I'm sure never will. Same for my Wireless card. I'd like to be able to use 4, or 8 gigs of memory. But I don't want to have to buy a new printer and wireless card.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: QueBert
I'm stuck in this same boat, my OEM Vista has both on it, has 32 bit installed if b0ffed and I was thinking about puttin 64 on. My printer (ip4000) has no 64bit drivers and I'm sure never will. Same for my Wireless card. I'd like to be able to use 4, or 8 gigs of memory. But I don't want to have to buy a new printer and wireless card.

My old Canon i865 printer supported Vista x64,your Canon ip4000 supports Vista x64 as well,just go here .(took me 20 seconds ).

Available software for PIXMA iP4000

1. Canon Inkjet Printer Driver Add-On Module (1.00)

This product is a module that expands the functionality of the printer driver for Canon Inkjet printers.

Compatibility:
Operating system(s):

Windows Vista 32bit, Windows Vista 64bit
Language(s):

Arabic, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish

That leaves your wireless card,you can either do a driver search or buy a cheap Vista x64 compatible one.

 

[QueBert]

damn I just saw that file on Canon, I don't know if that's a true driver or some sort of add on program, that doesn't come up in the driver section on their web site, when I punch in my printer model and vista 64 it says no drivers for download hummm...

Vista Upgrade Adviser is saying no action is needed for my wireless card so I guess it's got generic Vista drivers? wooo! I just assumed since D-Link didn't have a 64 driver on their site I was SOL.

I definitely need to look into that printer file

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: QueBert
damn I just saw that file on Canon, I don't know if that's a true driver or some sort of add on program, that doesn't come up in the driver section on their web site, when I punch in my printer model and vista 64 it says no drivers for download hummm...

Vista Upgrade Adviser is saying no action is needed for my wireless card so I guess it's got generic Vista drivers? wooo! I just assumed since D-Link didn't have a 64 driver on their site I was SOL.

I definitely need to look into that printer file

My ex Canon i865 printer had a similar add-on module,worked fine in Vista x64,even had the printing status and Canon printer software ie nozzle check,colour,paper settings etc...

 

[Elstupido]

"Just one comment on the abiltiy to get a 64 copy when you already have a 32...the OEM licenses are not interchangable, at least license-wise. So, if your Home Premium 32 is an OEM, then you would need to purchase a new license...MS will not give you a 64 DVD. If it's a retail copy, then yes, you can purchase for shipping costs a 64 DVD. I learned this the hard way from my PC manufacturer (Lenovo)."

A 32bit OEM license key will work with 64bit Vista, however the OEM version is not eligible for the more or less free 64bit Vista disc from MS. The key will work on any Vista 64bit disc.

 

[QueBert]

Originally posted by: Mem

Originally posted by: QueBert
damn I just saw that file on Canon, I don't know if that's a true driver or some sort of add on program, that doesn't come up in the driver section on their web site, when I punch in my printer model and vista 64 it says no drivers for download hummm...

Vista Upgrade Adviser is saying no action is needed for my wireless card so I guess it's got generic Vista drivers? wooo! I just assumed since D-Link didn't have a 64 driver on their site I was SOL.

I definitely need to look into that printer file

My ex Canon i865 printer had a similar add-on module,worked fine in Vista x64,even had the printing status and Canon printer software ie nozzle check,colour,paper settings etc...

that is SWEET news man thanks, absolutely idiotic of Canon to not have this on their main driver download page. Guess I have zero reason to not go 64 bit now.

 

[pm]

Originally posted by: Pabster
Check out start64.com

They also have 64-bit native builds of Thunderbird.

Thanks, Mem and Pabster. Thanks for the links and the information!

Np,there's plenty of 64 bit software if people take the time to search,Thunderbird 64 bit version works fine in Vista x64(been using it for 9 months now) .

I did spend a fairly long time searching - like at least 10 minutes. I Googled "firefox windows 64-bit", "win64 firefox", "x86 windows firebox" and others. The start64 link is in there (usually 5th or 6th down) but I missed the "download" link at the bottom of the web page that was returned. I was tempted not to even ask and just to give up - or maybe try to compile it myself.

I appreciate the direct link and just the knowledge that it exists.

Hell, Firefox 64-bit is noticeably snappier than the 32-bit counterpart under x64.

Just tried it. It takes the same time to start up as the 32-bit version, but you weren't exaggerating - it's definitely faster loading and rendering pages.


Patrick

 

[Dadofamunky]

Originally posted by: QuixoticOne
IMHO, get the 64 bit OS, it's free/cheap since you have a 32 bit license.

Get the 8GB of RAM, it's a lot better of a performance boost than readyboost, and
I'm sure more and more things will use more and more RAM.
<snip>

64 bit VISTA makes it harder to install / use unsigned device drivers which are
kernel mode drivers. I've not run into the problem of having unsigned kernel
drivers yet, and you shouldn't do so either with your current hardware AFAIK.
Typically most drivers aren't kernel mode, or are signed and WHQL certified for
your major hardware like the NVIDIA card and stuff.

<snip>

Press f8 after POST and you can disable the signed driver requirement.

Originally posted by: JustaGeek
You have a fine system and a fine OS.

Leave it alone. There is NOTHING to be gained by going 64-bit and 4 core.

With the 64-bit Vista, you'll just shut the door on certain programs that might work on the 32-bit platform (Anti Spyware/Anti-Virus etc.)

Vista 32 is a fine OS - keep it.

I agree with the latter; but NOTHING? I like it when my browser windows open instantly (and many of my apps). I also like the extended memory space. It's such a cheap upgrade, I fail to see any reason NOT to do it - since his system is plenty current enough to run it. There's plenty to be gained. Particularly for $10 and a couple hours' work. At least it gives a good excuse to blow your system out with 8 GB of cheap DDR2.

Originally posted by: Mem

Originally posted by: QueBert
I'm stuck in this same boat, my OEM Vista has both on it, has 32 bit installed if b0ffed and I was thinking about puttin 64 on. My printer (ip4000) has no 64bit drivers and I'm sure never will. Same for my Wireless card. I'd like to be able to use 4, or 8 gigs of memory. But I don't want to have to buy a new printer and wireless card.

My old Canon i865 printer supported Vista x64,your Canon ip4000 supports Vista x64 as well,just go here .(took me 20 seconds ).

:thumbsup:

I have an ip4000. Good to know.

 

[JustaGeek]

Originally posted by: Dadofamunky

I agree with the latter; but NOTHING?

OK, I might have gotten carried away...

I should have said: VERY LITTLE.

The browser opening a little faster...? Extended memory space today, when there is such a little number of programs that can actually take advantage of that...?

C'mon guys - he's got a solid, stable setup with a great Operating System.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

 

[djnsmith7]

Quick question...Just did a fresh install of Home Premium 64 installed w/ 2 GB & I'm ready to install another 2 GB...Just finished all the Windows Updates, drivers, etc...Which file do I need to download to get past the 4 GB barrier?...

 

[JustaGeek]

Originally posted by: djnsmith7
Quick question...Just did a fresh install of Home Premium 64 installed w/ 2 GB & I'm ready to install another 2 GB...Just finished all the Windows Updates, drivers, etc...Which file do I need to download to get past the 4 GB barrier?...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777/en-us

 

[djnsmith7]

Originally posted by: JustaGeek

Originally posted by: djnsmith7
Quick question...Just did a fresh install of Home Premium 64 installed w/ 2 GB & I'm ready to install another 2 GB...Just finished all the Windows Updates, drivers, etc...Which file do I need to download to get past the 4 GB barrier?...

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929777/en-us

I actually didn't have to install anything...I popped in the other 3 modules & 8 GB came right up...Cool beanz...Thx for the link tho...

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: pm

Originally posted by: Pabster
Check out start64.com

They also have 64-bit native builds of Thunderbird.

Thanks, Mem and Pabster. Thanks for the links and the information!

Np,there's plenty of 64 bit software if people take the time to search,Thunderbird 64 bit version works fine in Vista x64(been using it for 9 months now) .

I did spend a fairly long time searching - like at least 10 minutes. I Googled "firefox windows 64-bit", "win64 firefox", "x86 windows firebox" and others. The start64 link is in there (usually 5th or 6th down) but I missed the "download" link at the bottom of the web page that was returned. I was tempted not to even ask and just to give up - or maybe try to compile it myself.

I appreciate the direct link and just the knowledge that it exists.

Hell, Firefox 64-bit is noticeably snappier than the 32-bit counterpart under x64.

Just tried it. It takes the same time to start up as the 32-bit version, but you weren't exaggerating - it's definitely faster loading and rendering pages.


Patrick

PM I was not reffering to you(I would rather not say whom ) but other people when it comes to 64 bit drivers/ software etc...as I said there's plenty of software out there but some people reckon there's not a lot of 64 bit software,they also forget Vista x64 can use a lot of 32 bit software too so you get the best of both worlds.

 

[clarkey01]

Originally posted by: Pabster
You have a very modern system, OP. Go with Vista x64 and enjoy.

The amount of FUD spread around vis-a-vi Vista and x64 continues to amaze me.

I am doing....Just tryna find the best and lowest price.

 

[JustaGeek]

Originally posted by: clarkey01

I am doing....Just tryna find the best and lowest price.

You're curious what the fuss is all about, aren't you...?

Go ahead, satisfy your curiosity!

I did that 1 month ago...

And you know what...?

I LIKE it!