Windows XP Professional optimal?

[esemones]

I observe that many recommend WindowsXP Professional fon a new computer. I note that XP Prof comes in two editions: the regular one and a 64 bit Edition (aimed at Itanium Intel processor and able to run 32 bit programs via emulation using WOW64, but not optimally).

Question: In order to get the optimum out of an Athalon 64 processor (when the 64 bit programs emerge) would one have to install the 64 bit OS?
If so, what advantage, really, does have an Athlon 64 have over older processors at this point in time?

 

[StageLeft]

Good Q, me waiting on response, I presume the 64 would work better with a 64 And I bet it would offer no advantage with non-64. Let's see if I'm right!

 

[LTC8K6]

The 64 bit version of WindowsXP for the desktop is only in beta at the moment. It will be released soon for the Athlon64 and Intel's EM64T equipped processors. You can download the beta version and try it out.

The Athlon64 is still much faster than the AthlonXP with the 32bit version of windows XP, so yes you will still benefit from the processor. It does not emulate with 32 bit programs, but runs them normally.

Linux has been able to take advantage of 64bit cpu's for a while now.

So, the Athlon64 will run 32bit Windows faster now, and you will be able to install the 64bit version of Windows as soon as it's released.

 

[StageLeft]

.

 

[Nothinman]

And I bet it would offer no advantage with non-64. Let's see if I'm right!

It'll offer no advantage because it won't work. To run 64-bit apps you need the 64-bit OS, but you can run 32-bit apps on either as long as you have 32-bit versions of all the necessary libraries.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Nothinman

And I bet it would offer no advantage with non-64. Let's see if I'm right!

It'll offer no advantage because it won't work. To run 64-bit apps you need the 64-bit OS, but you can run 32-bit apps on either as long as you have 32-bit versions of all the necessary libraries.

Touche!