Which 64 bit OS??

Pickers · 10-04-2007, 08:13

Well, as its the holidays, and our desktop PC is running dog slow, its time to format and reinstall the stuff we want... Perfect opportunity to see about upgrading the OS from XP home.

The system is an AMD64 x2 4400+, 7800GTX gfx and 2gig RAM.

I've looked around for XP Pro x64 to buy but cant seem to find it now - but there is a 120day trial...
Otherwise, vista, but cant really afford it at the moment - is there a trial for that?

What do I need to know about software compatibility for programs and games? if moving to 64 bit OS's?

ORRRR, should I stick with XP home.

Mark · 10-04-2007, 09:43

I've heard reports that Vista can prove to be slightly faster if you have the RAM to run it properly (which you do). But cost is of course a factor.

Feek · 10-04-2007, 09:51

I've nothing to compare it to, but Vista x64 is stonkingly quick for me. The only item of hardware I found incompatible was my Belkin Nostromo N52 gaming pad so I sold it on eBay and picked up a G15 instead so I still have some programmable keys.

Surprisingly, it had drivers built in for my printer and I managed to locate a *ahem* workaround for my unsupported scanner

Stan_Lite · 10-04-2007, 10:00

One word of warning.

As far as I know, there still isn't a flash/shockwave player for 64 bit Windows as yet so, if you want to visit sites which use flash, you'll have to use a 32 bit browser - apparently Adobe are working on a 64 bit version but they seem to be taking their time about it.

Not a big deal I know but I thought I'd mention it anyway.

Stan

Feek · 10-04-2007, 10:04

I'd not even noticed that, Stan - I'm using Firefox as my browser so opened the 64 bit version of IE that's supplied with Vista and you're right - No flash. Works fine in FF though.

Daz · 10-04-2007, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bijstan

One word of warning.

As far as I know, there still isn't a flash/shockwave player for 64 bit Windows as yet so

Correct, but x64 ships with 32bit IE as well so it's no problem

In fact it usually defaults back to the 32bit exe as things like the Windows Update activex dont yet work native 64bit.

Pickers · 10-04-2007, 12:35

no votes for XP pro then?
Hmm what version and where to get vista from?
Is there a trial?

Daz · 10-04-2007, 12:37

Not yet I dont think. If you can get hold of a DVD image then it'll let you install without a CD key and run for a few days though.

If you're buying a new OS then it's daft to buy old hat really. So long as you dont rely on any incompatible hardware anyway

8 I3ALL · 12-04-2007, 01:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pickers

no votes for XP pro then?
Hmm what version and where to get vista from?
Is there a trial?

If you want a copy give me a shout ......................and if you want to carry on using it after the 30 day trial give me a nudge and we can sort that too

with all updates and will pass the Windows Genuine Advantage test

Will · 12-04-2007, 08:51

I haven't forgotten you Mark - I'm just not in the country at the moment - I'll sort it out this weekend.

Big thumbs up for XP 64bit. I really liked it - I still have it actually (I actually bought it!). With 2gb of Ram and with the right drivers it works like a dream. Though once again drives for older things and some bespoke bits of software don't work very well on it... But where there's a Will there's a way

10-04-2007, 08:13	#1
Pickers Absinthe Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Cornwall Posts: 2,692	Which 64 bit OS?? Well, as its the holidays, and our desktop PC is running dog slow, its time to format and reinstall the stuff we want... Perfect opportunity to see about upgrading the OS from XP home. The system is an AMD64 x2 4400+, 7800GTX gfx and 2gig RAM. I've looked around for XP Pro x64 to buy but cant seem to find it now - but there is a 120day trial... Otherwise, vista, but cant really afford it at the moment - is there a trial for that? What do I need to know about software compatibility for programs and games? if moving to 64 bit OS's? ORRRR, should I stick with XP home. __________________ Pictures

10-04-2007, 09:51	#3
Feek ex SAS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: JO01ou Posts: 10,062	I've nothing to compare it to, but Vista x64 is stonkingly quick for me. The only item of hardware I found incompatible was my Belkin Nostromo N52 gaming pad so I sold it on eBay and picked up a G15 instead so I still have some programmable keys. Surprisingly, it had drivers built in for my printer and I managed to locate a ahem workaround for my unsupported scanner __________________

10-04-2007, 10:00	#4
Stan_Lite Stan, Stan the FLASHER MAN! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In bed with your sister Posts: 5,483	One word of warning. As far as I know, there still isn't a flash/shockwave player for 64 bit Windows as yet so, if you want to visit sites which use flash, you'll have to use a 32 bit browser - apparently Adobe are working on a 64 bit version but they seem to be taking their time about it. Not a big deal I know but I thought I'd mention it anyway. Stan __________________ Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I...

10-04-2007, 10:04	#5
Feek ex SAS Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: JO01ou Posts: 10,062	I'd not even noticed that, Stan - I'm using Firefox as my browser so opened the 64 bit version of IE that's supplied with Vista and you're right - No flash. Works fine in FF though. __________________

10-04-2007, 12:35	#7
Pickers Absinthe Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Cornwall Posts: 2,692	no votes for XP pro then? Hmm what version and where to get vista from? Is there a trial? __________________ Pictures

10-04-2007, 09:43	#2
Mark Screaming Orgasm Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Newbury Posts: 15,194	I've heard reports that Vista can prove to be slightly faster if you have the RAM to run it properly (which you do). But cost is of course a factor.

10-04-2007, 12:37	#8
Daz The Stig Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Swad! Posts: 10,713	Not yet I dont think. If you can get hold of a DVD image then it'll let you install without a CD key and run for a few days though. If you're buying a new OS then it's daft to buy old hat really. So long as you dont rely on any incompatible hardware anyway __________________ apt-get moo

12-04-2007, 08:51	#10
Will BBx woz 'ere :P Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 2,147,487,208	I haven't forgotten you Mark - I'm just not in the country at the moment - I'll sort it out this weekend. Big thumbs up for XP 64bit. I really liked it - I still have it actually (I actually bought it!). With 2gb of Ram and with the right drivers it works like a dream. Though once again drives for older things and some bespoke bits of software don't work very well on it... But where there's a Will there's a way __________________ *No No!*

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