Windows 7 and the 64 Bit Question
Windows has been available in a 64 bit edition for some time. Windows XP 64 was probably the first one that anyone really considered to work.
The problem is usually getting drivers to work – video and printer drivers among the most memorable.
64 bit computing, though, really was of benefit to too many people; usually just engineers, graphic artists and others with high end workstations.
But the question comes up again with Windows 7 – do I get the 64 bit version or stick with the standard 32 bit version.
Well, since I hate reinventing the wheel, I’ll point you to this article on 64 bit versus 32 bit Windows checklist.
But I will repeat the summary (with my commentary), since I have said essentially the same things over time – in a condensed version:
* A 64-bit OS version provides more advantages than disadvantages, mostly support for 3+ GB of memory, in the light of cheap 8 GB memory kits. – I’m not sure I totally back this statement, if you don’t NEED 64 bit computing and more than 3GB RAM, then for now, what will you gain?
* 64-bit systems don’t perform significantly different than 32-bit systems with the exception of very few applications in the high end. EXACTLY! Don’t get 64 bit Windows 7 just for the sake of having 64 bit.
* The driver situation has been rather good in the last few months, but it may still happen that you don’t find a 64-bit driver for some of your hardware. If you buy the computer with 64 bit Windows installed at least you know that the components in the box will work. (Your printer may be another story, and scanner? fuhgedaboudit)
* Driver support for notebooks may still be tricky; check carefully (or just stick with 32 bit and know it will work)
* There is nothing wrong with 32-bit Windows either, if you can live with the fact that the switch to 64-bit will require a complete reinstall. Reinstallation is always better than any kind of Windows upgrade, IMHO!
* Any system with an OS partition of 2+ TB will require a platform using EFI instead of a conventional BIOS to boot into the operating system. Boy, I would hope that if you install 2+ Terabytes in a machine that it would be new enough to use EFI technology. Always caution yourself about putting too much money into an old PC.
In Summary:
If you can get the computer, laptop, notebook preinstalled with Windows 7 64 bit you can be assured that the PC will work. Check for drivers, though, on any peripheral you really need, and maybe even be willing to replace it with a newer one that comes with a 64 bit driver.
Further, memory is cheaper than it used to be, and it won’t be long before 4GB even 8GB is the new standard with a new computer purchase. 64 bit Windows 7 will make sure that you get to use it all.
