Tech Tip of the Week: Should You Install Windows 7 32-bit or 64-bit?

Usually windows just tells you the clock speed your CPU is supposed to be running at, not its actual clock speed. So if you overclock your CPU, you will need a tool like CPU-Z to read your actual clock speed. Upgrading to a 64 bit OS won't make a bit of difference.

Or did you mean gigabytes, as in amount of RAM?

They include both versions of the install on the disc. You can choose which to install with Win7.

I have been running 64 bit Windows 7 for a month now. It works flawlessly. I am a gamer and I couldn't b happier. Driver support for 64 bit is much better now than even 32 bit was a few years ago for Vista. 64 bit is here to stay and Windows 7 will be around for a few more years while memory for desktops and laptops gets cheaper. My HP HDX 16 can hold at least 8 GB of ram so that is why I am going to 64 bit. In other words if your computer is capable of adding more than 4 GB of ram in the future then you should install Windows 7 64 bit now rather than later.

I only use embroidery software and do some accounts work, I never have a capacity problem as I have a couple of external hardrives I save onto. When there is an upgrade we always have problems with the embroidery software company issuing new updates to enable us to continue with that version. I never play computer games, if I upgraded to Windows 7 and 64 bit I would probably have to buy all new software which would be phenomenal cost.
What's the answer in this case

Very good! Compatibility extends to both SOFTWARE and hardware issues -- look before you leap!

fyi: here's the compatibility info

Running the embroidery software is a perfect example of possible exception. Check with the company to see if the program and hardware will work properly with Windows 7 in 64 bit. You may find that there is no Windows 7 driver available yet, or that it will run in the new OS but there is no 64 bit driver. If the machine is dedicated to this task, there probably is no advantage to changing anything.

Based in my last 3-4 years of testing, I decided:

USE Windows XP PRO, Vista and Windows 7 64 bit versions, ONLY if you are using a software for business use. In a company that is with 3d rendering, video editing, CAD - computer assited desgin, and is a somewhat BIG company - with more then 5 super desktop computers, then USE IT!

But for hardcore gamers, for small businesses, for enthusiasts, the 32 bit version offers more compatibility and fiability so please avoid spending important time into something that is not ment for majority of users, even if so advertised.

Respectfully,
Vasile Lucian BUJOR

did you follow the link on this to assure youself that the required software WILL run on that platform?

LOTS of people have been shocked !

PS. The windows xp mode it doesn't work as it should be. I tested with applications that work on XP and fail on Vista/Windows 7, and those apps. fail to work in Windows xp mode, so please don't believe that crap. Windows xp mode is verry good for apps. that work poor in Windows 7, apps that will work proper in Windows xp mode.

Is my english poor cause I think you didn't get the message.

My message is plain simple:

USE 64bit OS ONLY if you use it in a professional environment with software made for it, software that is a resource hungry like video rendering, programming, rendering 3d scenes, et cetera.
Lots of people fall into the trap of the advertisers, that are promoting 64 bit.
I tested it in lasts almost 4 years and my verdict is that you don't need it, it makes way more harm than good!

Respectfully,
Vasile Lucian BUJOR

Yeah, he was kicked off facebook because of his sharp wit and great spelling.

Everybody...! Let's go Forward into the Past.....

Everybody complains they want more RAM. In an effort to stop answering the same, and at this point, really stupid question; "why does my system tell me I only have 3.25 GB of RAM, when I installed 4GB last night", I suggest that they should discontinue selling 32 bit OSes, void the activations of 32 bit OSes, and arrest the stragglers that continue using them, or have the manufacturers do the typing. Oh, wait, they're already done that, it's just that the people who don't bother to, or can't read it, come here.

No, you even have that wrong. Your English is poor, that's the only thing we agree with. Are you assuming that if your English was better, we would all stop buying 64 bit OS es...? Because that's just crazy talk.

You seem to be looking backward to obtain your point of view. Just because some crap program written 5 years ago isn't available in, or won't run on a 64 bit OS, doesn't mean that tomorrows version won't run better on one.

Me makey I my pointey of view great good clear now huh....?

"The ONLY reason why someone would actually NEED 64 bit OS is if you answer yes to the following question : Do I have 4 or more Gig of RAM.

32 Bits OS can manage up to 4 Gig of ram. 64 Bit OS can manage more then 4 Gig."

The early x86 linux versions supported more than 4G ram, this 4G cap stupidity is microshaft's fault. From Winxp64 and higher eg vista, win7 etc you can use more ram and even on the old windows XP 32bit you are able to utilize the part of memory the OS can't manage by using ramdisks eg superspeed.

The ONLY reason why someone would actually NEED 64 bit OS is if you use specific applications which use it.

The real problem with 64 bit, is manufacturers are installing 64 bit Windows 7 with no notice to the buyer about potential issues. Frankly, I'm tired of Microsoft changing things.
They changed the HAL in Vista which broke all 32 bit drivers, and now they are pushing 64 bits which obsoletes some hardware instantly.

The poor people buying computers at Staples or Office Depot don't know they are getting a 64 bit OS. Even if they did, they don't know of potential issues because they aren't disclosed at the time of sale.

The retail box provides a 32 bit option, there should be a downgrade option for the OEM OS as well.

I think maybe the industry needs some regulation to it stops abusing the customers.

Oh, by the way, 32 bit is more than adequate for the typical office user and internet freak. Lets start getting practical out there geeks, and realize you aren't the only customers.

CH

I have installed Win64 and it works like a charm. The only thing that is missing in 64bit Flash

I have been using 64bit for a while now and although it has been fine, there have been a couple of issues, the main one being that my scanner does not have a driver for Win7 64bit.

Personally, I feel that for the average home computer, 32bit is fine. You only have to look at the Program Files (x86) folder to see how many programs don't take advantage of 64bit computing, including applications such as Adobe CS3. Also, most home users probably don't need more than 4GB of RAM and a typical socket 1156 motherboard doesn't support anywhere near the max RAM limits quoted by MS - 16GB is pretty typical - but I wonder what percentage of users actually has more than 4GB?.

I am amazed by all these reactions !
It's all for those that want to play games or watch films
There are MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY, fantastic scientific programs that won't run under 64 bits and those that wrote these precious programs are not willing to do it all over again in another software version
According to me and many others it is all for MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY and nothing else

My experience with Windows 7 64-bit is that it is WORSE THAN USELESS.

Corel PhotoPaint, which I use to make or edit pictures for professional articles, works poorly and often crashes regardless of which compatibility mode I select. Corel Gallery Magic, for which I also paid good money, does not work at all. Windows 7 has also created problems with other software that I use or has rendered it totally unusable (again regardless of compatibility mode). My laser printer also is useless thanks to Windows 7.

The poor design of Windows 7 is underscored by the fact that, if you click on "Turn off computer," the computer will immediately begin to shut down instead of having you confirm the instruction (as was necessary in XP). You could click on "Shut down" by accident when working with a neighboring instruction.

It seems to me that Microsoft put very little thought into this product's compatibility with existing software. I would recommend against buying or upgrading to it unless you absolutely need it. It came bundled with my new computer so I did not have a choice. Furthermore, Office 2010 comes across as inferior to older versions because of its user-unfriendly menu (ribbon) and the fact it cannot (from what I can see) do anything that older versions cannot do.

Bottom line: don't buy this unless you have no choice.

My experience with Windows 7 64-bit is that it is WORSE THAN USELESS.

In my experience which has been quite vast it is the best OS they have created and I much prefer it to any of the alternatives.

Corel PhotoPaint, which I use to make or edit pictures for professional articles, works poorly and often crashes regardless of which compatibility mode I select. Corel Gallery Magic, for which I also paid good money, does not work at all. Windows 7 has also created problems with other software that I use or has rendered it totally unusable (again regardless of compatibility mode). My laser printer also is useless thanks to Windows 7.

I have never experienced these kinds of stability issues when using advanced drawing programs such as Adobe Photoshop CS4 and CS5 along with AutoCAD. I suspect there is something wrong with your computer hardware or perhaps even drives that are causing your problems.

As for your printer are you serious? Microsoft creates a new and advanced bit of software and the company that made your crummy laser printer cannot be bothered updating the drivers and this is Microsoft’s fault? What should they never move forward for the sake of your old laser printer?

The poor design of Windows 7 is underscored by the fact that, if you click on "Turn off computer," the computer will immediately begin to shut down instead of having you confirm the instruction (as was necessary in XP). You could click on "Shut down" by accident when working with a neighboring instruction.

Imagine that, you tell it to shut down and it just does it, without asking you if you are sure. Microsoft is more often than not criticized for all the “are you sure” messages. When I tell my computer to shut down I mean it and I do not want to be second guessed every time I do so. Furthermore in the 2 years that I have been using the OS I have never accidentally shut down the computer, so what’s the issue here.

It seems to me that Microsoft put very little thought into this product's compatibility with existing software. I would recommend against buying or upgrading to it unless you absolutely need it. It came bundled with my new computer so I did not have a choice. Furthermore, Office 2010 comes across as inferior to older versions because of its user-unfriendly menu (ribbon) and the fact it cannot (from what I can see) do anything that older versions cannot do.

Other than hardware that has not been updated to support Vista, all hardware should be compatible with Windows 7 (32bit and 64bit). As far as software compatibility goes I have found less than half a dozen programs that won’t work and they are all poorly supported music making software which didn't work with Vista either.

I am getting the sense that you are a person that is scared of change. Office 2010 is certainly not inferior to the older versions and it can certainly do everything 2007 did plus more.

Bottom line: don't buy this unless you have no choice.

I am interested, what do you think the readers should buy? An iPad?

Wow!...and you're serious?
you know..an abacus does not have any compatibility issues whatsoever.
I recommend this model. its variable speed.



***This is the standard model, you can however upgrade to the Bronze age package. *****