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64 Bit Computing· Part 2
Last week I started talking about 64-bit computing and the possible advantages that it could offer. For those of you that missed my last article, you´re probably best off downloading a copy at www.computerarticles.co.uk as otherwise this one article by itself may seem incomplete.
I focused specifically on the speed increase that could potentially be realised by installing a 64-bit Operating System if you´re lucky enough to have a 64-bit processor inside your machine. This is because such an OS would allow the processor to address more memory and handle more data per clock cycle than a 32-bit equivalent.
It is true that there have been 64-bit versions of Linux around for a while now along with a fairly unsuccessful 64-bit version of Windows XP. It is most likely however that you will be considering Windows Vista as your next Operating System we´ll focus on the 64-bit version of this OS today.
Along with the potential speed increase, there are a number of fringe benefits such as better security, however all this comes at a cost. There are unfortunately a number of downsides that you should be aware of before taking the leap:
Vista 64 has no support for 16 bit Windows applications
For most people this isn´t a problem as it would be very unlikely that you would stumble over any old 16 bit (aka Windows 3.x) code anytime in the near future. This point is still a consideration, however as 16-bit code does have a habit of turning up in the most unlikely of places; outdated application installer code, for example.
No compatibility with existing 32 bit drivers
In the 64-bit version of Vista you do have in install the appropriate 64-bit driver for any hardware that you own, although Vista does come bundled with a huge library of supported hardware straight out the box. I have installed this Operating System on several computers without a hitch however you may have trouble getting Vista to recognise any older or possibly more obscure hardware that hasn´t had a 64-bit driver written for it.
No support for unsigned drivers
The driver issues are made worse by the fact that you won´t be allowed to install any driver that hasn´t been signed off by Microsoft as being compatible with Vista 64. This, in my mind is a good thing as dodgy drivers are a major cause of system crashes and any measure that can curb such eventualities can only be a good thing.
There is currently very little 64-bit software on the market
Whilst it is true that you will most likely benefit from a modest performance increase in the actual Operating System performance it is worthwhile bearing in mind that at present very little 64-bit software actually exists. As a result you will probably at present spend most of your time using 32-bit software which will immediately ruin the chances of any performance gains.
Taking in to account the above factors, I am unable to recommend the 64-bit version to all of those with compatible machines. The transition from 32 to 64 bit is a huge one and as such, whilst such complications are unavoidable and certainly unexpected, they still have to be taken in to consideration.
I personally made the switch approximately a month ago and so far haven´t had any problems whatsoever but there is no escaping the fact that for some users´ compatibility may be the deciding issue. It is very likely that the next version of Windows will be 64-bit only so the switch will have to make the switch sooner or later but whether that time is now is completely up to the individual.
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I focused specifically on the speed increase that could potentially be realised by installing a 64-bit Operating System if you´re lucky enough to have a 64-bit processor inside your machine. This is because such an OS would allow the processor to address more memory and handle more data per clock cycle than a 32-bit equivalent.
It is true that there have been 64-bit versions of Linux around for a while now along with a fairly unsuccessful 64-bit version of Windows XP. It is most likely however that you will be considering Windows Vista as your next Operating System we´ll focus on the 64-bit version of this OS today.
Along with the potential speed increase, there are a number of fringe benefits such as better security, however all this comes at a cost. There are unfortunately a number of downsides that you should be aware of before taking the leap:
Vista 64 has no support for 16 bit Windows applications
For most people this isn´t a problem as it would be very unlikely that you would stumble over any old 16 bit (aka Windows 3.x) code anytime in the near future. This point is still a consideration, however as 16-bit code does have a habit of turning up in the most unlikely of places; outdated application installer code, for example.
No compatibility with existing 32 bit drivers
In the 64-bit version of Vista you do have in install the appropriate 64-bit driver for any hardware that you own, although Vista does come bundled with a huge library of supported hardware straight out the box. I have installed this Operating System on several computers without a hitch however you may have trouble getting Vista to recognise any older or possibly more obscure hardware that hasn´t had a 64-bit driver written for it.
No support for unsigned drivers
The driver issues are made worse by the fact that you won´t be allowed to install any driver that hasn´t been signed off by Microsoft as being compatible with Vista 64. This, in my mind is a good thing as dodgy drivers are a major cause of system crashes and any measure that can curb such eventualities can only be a good thing.
There is currently very little 64-bit software on the market
Whilst it is true that you will most likely benefit from a modest performance increase in the actual Operating System performance it is worthwhile bearing in mind that at present very little 64-bit software actually exists. As a result you will probably at present spend most of your time using 32-bit software which will immediately ruin the chances of any performance gains.
Taking in to account the above factors, I am unable to recommend the 64-bit version to all of those with compatible machines. The transition from 32 to 64 bit is a huge one and as such, whilst such complications are unavoidable and certainly unexpected, they still have to be taken in to consideration.
I personally made the switch approximately a month ago and so far haven´t had any problems whatsoever but there is no escaping the fact that for some users´ compatibility may be the deciding issue. It is very likely that the next version of Windows will be 64-bit only so the switch will have to make the switch sooner or later but whether that time is now is completely up to the individual.
Sponsored by Refresh Cartridges
[ Print This Page ]
[ Back to Main Page ]