Are there any disadvantages of a 64-bit system?

[Xaos]

I am preparing for my next computer, and am considering a 64-bit version
for the increase speed and capabilities of handling more RAM.

Are there any disadvantages or side effects of having a 64-bit system?
Can I run everything and do everything I can do on a 32-bit system?

Thanks

Chaz

 

[Tim Slattery]

I am preparing for my next computer, and am considering a 64-bit version
for the increase speed and capabilities of handling more RAM.

Are there any disadvantages or side effects of having a 64-bit system?
Can I run everything and do everything I can do on a 32-bit system?

The 32-bit versions of Vista will run 16-bit programs, the 64-bit
versions won't. Other than that, you should be all right. You'll need
to find 64-bit drivers for whatever you hook up to the computer, but
that's getting easier all the time.

 

[Mike Hall - MVP]

I am preparing for my next computer, and am considering a 64-bit version
for the increase speed and capabilities of handling more RAM.

Are there any disadvantages or side effects of having a 64-bit system? Can
I run everything and do everything I can do on a 32-bit system?

Thanks

Chaz

Yes.. not al peripheral devices you own may be 64bit compatible..

Check the manufacturer websites..

 

[LVTravel]

Yes.. not al peripheral devices you own may be 64bit compatible..

Check the manufacturer websites..

Of course that could also be said about going from Win 98 or NT to Windows
2000 or Win. XP. Hardware devices will not work with newer operating
systems if the manufacturer doesn't write drivers for the new OS. Any
hardware will work with any operating system if the proper drivers are
available.

 

[+Bob+]

Yes.. not al peripheral devices you own may be 64bit compatible..

Check the manufacturer websites..

Also, there seem to be lots of 64bit Vista specific bugs. Look around
here in past posts or around the web for lots of info. I see a fair
number of "this worked before I went 64 bit" issues.

 

[measekite's psychiatrist]

Also, there seem to be lots of 64bit Vista specific bugs. Look around
here in past posts or around the web for lots of info. I see a fair
number of "this worked before I went 64 bit" issues.

You only have 64 bits in that empty head of yours? No wonder why you are so
stupid.

 

[Charles W Davis]

Also, there seem to be lots of 64bit Vista specific bugs. Look around
here in past posts or around the web for lots of info. I see a fair
number of "this worked before I went 64 bit" issues.

You see a "fair number?" Those issues are mostly related to device drivers.
Our Computer Club's House Call technicians have seen nothing related to
64-bit Vista on member's computers.

 

[+Bob+]

You see a "fair number?" Those issues are mostly related to device drivers.
Our Computer Club's House Call technicians have seen nothing related to
64-bit Vista on member's computers.

Look around here then. Expand your survey to the greater web later.

 

[Bogey Man]

I am preparing for my next computer, and am considering a 64-bit version
for the increase speed and capabilities of handling more RAM.

Are there any disadvantages or side effects of having a 64-bit system? Can
I run everything and do everything I can do on a 32-bit system?

Thanks

Chaz

You may find that you will have to upgrade peripheral equipment such as
scanners, printer etc because of incompatibilities. This also applies to
software. There is a compatibility test available from Microsoft that will
give you a good idea of what you are in for.

A lot of new software still insists on running in 32 bit mode but the 64 bit
OS will accommodate that.

Eventually 64 bit will take over from 32 bit and even further down the road
128 or 256 bit will take over. This is just the natural evolution of
computing and there is always a bit of pain in trying to keep more or less
current.

If you put off updating too long (like I did) then you are faced with
replacing everything at once and learning how everything works right from
"square one."

I am running Vista Home Premium 64 with 8 gigs of ram on a quad core machine
and I would never go back to a 32 bit machine or 32 bit OS.