64 bit system

I'm thinking about buying one of the new 64 bit computers. Will my old 32 bit programs run on it? Will my exsisting scanner and printer work also?

It really all depends on the Operating System you install on the 64-bit system. If you plan on installing Windows XP 64-bit, then you should install it in "Compatibility Mode", which will let you run both 32-bit and 64-bit software. Most of your 32-bit applications should still work in this setup.

As for your hardware, you will need to find new drivers to support Windows XP 64-bit OS. If you don't have the 64-bit drivers, then they won't work. I would check your scanner and printers website to see if they will offer Windows XP 64-bit driver support.

Hope that helps. :)

Anyone know where is the best place to purchase Windows XP 64 bit software? Also what company has scanners and printers with 64 bit compatibility?

Not to discourage you, but why are you buying a new 64-bit computer? They are over-priced in my opinion. Plus, there is limited software available for it. My advice, buy something cheaper and wait until 64-bit computers are more mainstream and software vendors begin creating more programs. By the time this happens, it'll likely be time to begin thinking about upgrading your computer again anyway.

But to answer your question, yes it will run 32-bit applications. Scanners/printers will also work if you have the proper drivers installed.

The iMac G5 is a 64bit computer. You could think about switching. I switched to OS X about 3 years ago and have never looked back. At least consider it. It is a beautiful machine. http://www.apple.com/imac/

I would say get a 64 bit unit regardless. You can make the transition slowly as more and more software (that actually is written for 64 bit) comes out.

trip

I guess it depends on what he is planning on doing with his computer. If he is planning on using his old 32-bit software, then why would he need a 64-bit computer?

Additionally, if computer software companies will not start coming out with a SUBSTANTIAL amount of 64-bit software for a couple of years, why not just wait until then?

Lastly, are you really recommending a MAC? I realize they are now using UNIX as their operating system. But their lack of software support has always been the downfall of the MAC machine. I know it's not exactly the same situation, but it's similar to the gaming console argument. PS2 is not as good of a machine as the X-Box... but PS2 has all the games.

So if there are specific MAC programs that you want, go ahead and buy a Macintosh. Otherwise, stick with the OS that has the vast majority of software available.

There are really no benefits to 64-bit computing unless you are manipulating humongous amounts of data. I would also recommend a G5 Macintosh. As for software, I have a Mac and can run Unix programs via X11. 64-bit computing has no benefits currently to the average user.

You are all correct in some aspects about 64 bit computing haveing little benefits, but let me tell you the stability of the system overall and the fact you can have a tremendous amount of memory over 32 bit systems alone makes it worth it. 64 bit xp pro allows 16 gigs of RAM compared to less than 4 with 32 bit XP. Vista enhances this even further with 32 gigs if I am not mistaken. Another factor is the stability in which you will gain by running an operating system in which is optimized to take advantage of the 64 bit processors. This makes for zero crashes and all around better performance for your normal tasks even when just using 32 bit applications. The underlying programming is far superior than the normal 32 bit. All this said I have barely touched on the superiority of 64 bit over 32 bit! The 32 bit platforms are really obsolete already to tell you the truth. The only thing that is holding up people from actually benefitting from it on a grander scale is the developers and corperations that are not willing to develope all their software in a 64 bit compliance. They are lazy and not willing to spend the money untill they have to and thus people keep buying their 32 bit crap, keeping the world at a stand still with inferior products! Ok my small 2 cents are noted and you all can continue your banter. Personally i would reccomend a linux platform such as SUSE 10.2 or Ubuntu over any that I mentioned and over the MAC as well. Oh yeah both suse and ubuntu have full 64 bit versions that work wonderfully! Best of luck on your decision and good fortunes to ya...

Jeff Flores (Information Systems Security Professional / Entrepeneur)

Stability in an OS has nothing to do with how many bits or bytes it can address. It has everything to do with design and implementation. The fact that UNIX (whether 32 or 64-bit) is still considered a benchmark for stability is proof of this.

Frankly, you can buy a 64-bit processor now - Intel's Core2. However, Core2 is mainly optimized for 32-bit operating systems and applications. It says it right there on the spec sheet:

http://download.intel.com/design/processor/datashts/31327803.pdf

So enjoy your 64-bit computer running a 32-bit OS. Nothing wrong with that!

it will still work do doubt about it..

My laptop has a 64 bit Turion64 processor, however I run 32-bit Ubuntu linux on it. I originally tried the 64-bit version, however it has (known) video & flash issues, which may have been ironed out by now.

It really all depends on the Operating System you install on the 64-bit system. If you plan on installing Windows XP 64-bit, then you should install it in "Compatibility Mode", which will let you run both 32-bit and 64-bit software. Most of your 32-bit applications should still work in this setup.

As for your hardware, you will need to find new drivers to support Windows XP 64-bit OS. If you don't have the 64-bit drivers, then they won't work. I would check your scanner and printers website to see if they will offer Windows XP 64-bit driver support.

Hope that helps. :)

I think you are right.