Should you go for the 32bit or 64bit version of Windows 7? Ian Paul explains the pros and cons
If you've decided to buy a new PC and you've settled on a Windows 7 system, you face one more big decision: whether to install the 32-or 64bit version. And it's a trickier question than you'd think. You might want to get the 64bit version so you can load up on RAM and future-proof your PC. But software and hardware designers are still catching up. Even with your beefy hardware and shiny new operating system (OS), you might end up having a 32bit computing experience anyway. The difference between 32-and 64bit systems comes down to this: 64bit machines can handle more RAM and more data. That's it. Both versions of Windows look the same; it's just a matter of how much data these systems can handle at once. A 64bit system can handle more than 4GB of memory - the maximum for 32bit machines - and can also process more pieces of data at once. For the average home PC user, the most significant advantage is being able to enjoy better graphics, since a 64bit system can process more visual detail than a 32bit machine. Coming to terms with 64bit Even though 64bit Windows systems were first introduced with XP and then given a push under Vista, parts of the computing world are still getting to grips with the 64bit reality. During the Vista years, most Windows users were still running the 32bit version of XP. As a result, software designers remained focused on these customers and didn't pay much attention to what was possible with 64bit Vista systems. An example is Real's popular RealPlayer, which only recently released a 64bit-compatible version. Although you may have a tough time finding applications primed for 64bit systems, it's rare to come across software that won't work with the more powerful version of Windows. As a general rule, 32bit versions of software will work on a 64bit system. But that defeats the purpose of upgrading, doesn't it? If you're not sure whether your favourite software will work on a 64bit system, find out at Microsoft's Windows 7 Compatibility Center ( bit.ly/3yzy7B). It's a 32bit web The most obvious example of a 64bit Windows user living in a 32bit world is online. Windows users can get a 64bit version of Internet Explorer, but if you use Chrome, Firefox or Opera, then you're going to have to put up with 32bit. In fact, if you're a dedicated Firefox user, you may want to think twice before making the 64bit switch. Although Firefox is supposed to work on a 64bit system, some Firefox users say they have had to resort to Windows 7's XP mode just to get Firefox to open, while others could only run the browser in Windows 7 if they were logged in as an administrator. But even if you're an Internet Explorer fan and want to use the browser's 64bit version, there's one major problem. Adobe Flash - the browser plug-in responsible for most online video and animation - doesn't have a 64bit version for Windows. Since Adobe Flash is present on almost every site you visit, using a 64bit browser means you'd be dealing with severely crippled if not unusable internet access. The alternative is to use the 32bit version instead, and wait for Adobe to come out with its 64bit plug-in. But you might be waiting a long while, since Adobe has only one version of 64bit Flash in development and it's for Linux. The firm has said it's committed to bringing 64bit versions of Flash to both Windows and Mac platforms, however. Despite these promises, some users aren't too impressed with living in a 32bit world. One recent 64bit adopter told us: "The fact that my 64bit Internet Explorer doesn't work 100 percent is pathetic. I do understand it's an issue with Adobe Flash, but if I wanted to use a crippled browser, I'd use my iPhone." Peripheral problems In addition to software, you may find that some of your peripheral devices no longer work with a 64bit system. If, for example, you're using an XP-era printer or scanner, it's a pretty safe bet that your device won't be 64bit-compatible. Check out your device manufacturer's support pages to see if the company offers a 64bit device driver. If it doesn't, you'll finally have to shell out for that new printer you've had your eye on. Things might be a little rough for 64bit Windows users right now, but you shouldn't be left out in the cold forever. Bit by bit, the rest of the computing world is moving to 64bit systems. Apple's Mac line-up is already there, and Linux is also forging ahead with 64bit architecture. As more people move towards the 64bit version of Windows, hold-outs in the software world will also start making the switch. It's just that, unfortunately for early adopters, we're not there yet. To unsubscribe send a message to [email protected] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
