A question for all you engineer/computer knowledgeable type folks.
Should I order a new computer with 32 bit OS or a 64 bit OS?
Because Dell's fiscal year ends at the end of this month, they are offering some screaming deals right now and the best deals seem to include the newer "i" series processors and Windows 7 64 bit. As a result, I'd like to get one of those computers but I'm concerned about compatibility with the programs I use most often (Outlook, Word, Acrobat Pro, and Lightroom). Is anyone aware of such problems? Besides, what is the advantage of 64 bit computing anyway?
Thanks for your advice - unless it's an impudent comment about Apple v. Windows.
You will have almost no compatibility issues with a 64-bit OS. Many programs run in 64-bit now and those that don't are emulated in 32-bit by windows. The main advantage of 64-bit is having access to more memory; programs like Lightroom and Photoshop will run faster in a 64-bit OS (if you have enough memory). I have been running a 64-bit OS since vista came out and I've been very pleased with it.
On the Apple vs. Windows note - I use both! (A built i7 PC, macbook, and "hackintosh") There's enough love in the world for all OSs including my Linux friend.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on June 12, 2010 at 10:09 PM
Make sure your colorimeter still works in 64-bit. If you have a Xrite DTP94 (supplied with Monaco Optix) it will most likely NOT work. Even though Xrite claims to have a 64-bit driver on their website...
I upgraded to Windows 7 64 bit and have had no problems with finding drivers.
64 bit computing will allow you to use much more RAM, and I'm sure there are other benefits that I know little about. I do know that 64 bit computing is the future, so when buying a new computer, you pretty much want to go with that flow.
However, you aren't obligated to use 64 bit software. For instance, I use the 32 bit version of PS CS5 (it ships with both 32 & 64 bit versions) because my favorite plugins won't work in 64 bit PS.
It doesn't much matter to me as I don't have tons of images to 'develop', nor do I have massive image file sizes, so the performance hit is nonexistent.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on June 13, 2010 at 12:26 AM
As others have noted, not all PS plugins run in 64 bit mode, and it doesn't seem as if those vendors are in any hurry to change. So you, if there is a critical plugin, you can always run PS in 32 bit mode, or you can switch between 32 bit and 64 bit, as needed. An inconvenience, but not a show stopper.
Posted by John De Bord on June 13, 2010 at 12:58 AM
If you are worried about it, get win7 professional which has xp mode in it, which will allow you to run 32bit apps :) Best of both worlds
I run windows 7 professional X64 at work. I do have some problems with applications that are not certified or available for the OS and run a second XP 32 desktop. But they are few and far between and certainly not apps you'd run into every day. I do like the windows 7 environment overall though.
Discussion
10 repliesShould I order a new computer with 32 bit OS or a 64 bit OS?
Because Dell's fiscal year ends at the end of this month, they are offering some screaming deals right now and the best deals seem to include the newer "i" series processors and Windows 7 64 bit. As a result, I'd like to get one of those computers but I'm concerned about compatibility with the programs I use most often (Outlook, Word, Acrobat Pro, and Lightroom). Is anyone aware of such problems? Besides, what is the advantage of 64 bit computing anyway?
Thanks for your advice - unless it's an impudent comment about Apple v. Windows.
On the Apple vs. Windows note - I use both! (A built i7 PC, macbook, and "hackintosh") There's enough love in the world for all OSs including my Linux friend.
64 bit computing will allow you to use much more RAM, and I'm sure there are other benefits that I know little about. I do know that 64 bit computing is the future, so when buying a new computer, you pretty much want to go with that flow.
However, you aren't obligated to use 64 bit software. For instance, I use the 32 bit version of PS CS5 (it ships with both 32 & 64 bit versions) because my favorite plugins won't work in 64 bit PS.
It doesn't much matter to me as I don't have tons of images to 'develop', nor do I have massive image file sizes, so the performance hit is nonexistent.