Hello there,
What would be the advantages/disadvantages of running an operating
system XP or Windows 7 on 64 bits, can I still run all my 32 bits
programs?
Thank you

On Mon, 10 May 2010 11:06:58 -0700 (PDT), Tester
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

> Hello there,
> What would be the advantages/disadvantages of running an operating
> system XP or Windows 7 on 64 bits,


The advantage of running a 64-bit version of Windows mostly exists
only if you also run 64-bit applications under it. Bear in mind that
there are very few such applications available yet. If you are
presently running 32-bit Windows, you don't have any 64-bit
applications, so to achieve any significant advantage, you not only
have to replace Windows, but also your applications, *if* (and that's
a big "if") 64-bit versions exist.

Also note that you will need 64-bit drivers for all your hardware.
Those drivers may not all be available, especially if some of your
hardware is a few years old. So it's possible that you might also have
to replace things like your printer, scanner, etc.

So the answer to your question is that it may not be a great idea
right now. That will undoubtedly change in the near future, as 64-bit
applications become more available, but for now, 64-bit Windows often
means some extra trouble and expense for little or no benefit.

On the other hand, installing 64-bit Windows instead of 32-bit Windows
makes you able to buy 64-bit software as it becomes available, instead
of the older 32-bit versions. That means that installing 64-bit
Windows--even though it may do very little for you at present--puts
you into a better position for the future.

One additional point: the 64-bit version lets you use more than the
approximately 3.1GB of RAM that the 32-bit version can use. Very few
people need or can make effective use of more than 3.1GB, but if you
are one of those who can, that's something else to consider.


> can I still run all my 32 bits
> programs?



Probably, but there may be an occasional one that won't run under
64-bit Windows.





--
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Please Reply to the Newsgroup

[Forwarded to microsoft.public.windows.64bit.general newsgroup via
crosspost]

Tester wrote:
> Hello there,
> What would be the advantages/disadvantages of running an operating
> system XP or Windows 7 on 64 bits, can I still run all my 32 bits
> programs?
> Thank you

On 5/10/2010 2:42 PM, PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
> [Forwarded to microsoft.public.windows.64bit.general newsgroup via
> crosspost]
>
> Tester wrote:
>> Hello there,
>> What would be the advantages/disadvantages of running an operating
>> system XP or Windows 7 on 64 bits, can I still run all my 32 bits
>> programs?
>> Thank you
>
Almost all should work... with only a few exceptions.

James Kosin wrote:
> On 5/10/2010 2:42 PM, PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
>
>>[Forwarded to microsoft.public.windows.64bit.general newsgroup via
>>crosspost]
>>
>>Tester wrote:
>>
>>>Hello there,
>>>What would be the advantages/disadvantages of running an operating
>>>system XP or Windows 7 on 64 bits, can I still run all my 32 bits
>>>programs?
>>>Thank you
>>
> Almost all should work... with only a few exceptions.

Frequently it is the peripheral hardware where the software/drivers are
lacking.

James Kosin wrote:
> On 5/10/2010 2:42 PM, PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
>> [Forwarded to microsoft.public.windows.64bit.general newsgroup via
>> crosspost]
>>
>> Tester wrote:
>>> Hello there,
>>> What would be the advantages/disadvantages of running an operating
>>> system XP or Windows 7 on 64 bits, can I still run all my 32 bits
>>> programs?
>>> Thank you

> Almost all should work... with only a few exceptions.

For comments on WinXP x64 operating system, read the
customer reviews here. By reading this, you may avoid
making a mistake. (This is separate from the initial
question.)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116378

Later 64 bit OSes, may have better end user reviews.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116754

If you look around, you may be able to find an "Upgrade Advisor", or
compatibility information, to help you in your decision.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/com...s/default.aspx

The "Upgrade Advisor" has these prerequisites.

* Supported Operating Systems: Windows 7; Windows Vista; Windows XP Service Pack 2
* .NET Framework 2.0 or higher if running Windows XP

Paul