NEWS
Larger memory: As RAM gets cheaper, new computers come with more RAM, and the only way to make this useful is to use a 64-bit version of Windows. It's safe to say all computers equipped with 4GB of RAM or more will be pre-installed with Windows 64-bit. In short, you might just get a Windows 64-bit computer whether you are aware of that. This is probably the main reason for the 64-bit platform to take off.
Backward compatibility: Most, if not all, 32-bit software applications (except for drivers) can operate in Windows 64-bit the way they do in Windows 32-bit. In other words, Windows 64-bit can run all what Windows 32-bit runs plus 64-bit applications.
Better experience: Together with the 64-bit Windows, Microsoft enforces the digital signature of the drivers. This means there will be less badly developed device drivers, which are one of the main causes of crashes. Also, 64-bit versions of software, especially games and graphics/multimedia programs, will offer much better overall performance.
However, there are still a couple of reasons to expect some hiccups during this transition. First off, drivers are still issues, as many legacy peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, will never work with 64-bit Windows. Secondly, 16-bit software applications, those designed for Windows 3.1 or DOS, will not be supported anymore. Lastly, I personally have found out that codecs for many types of compressed video formats, such as MKV or DiVx, for now, are not working well with Windows 64-bit, especially with the Media Center application.
Also, we can't ignore the fact that as a 32-bit application can run on both platforms, developers are now still more enticed to make them than the 64-bit versions.
Nonetheless, together with Windows 7, the 64-bit platform will definitely be taking over desktops and high-performance laptops, leaving the 32-bit primarily for Netbooks and low-power, low-performance applications.
Apple is also moving in the same direction with the upcoming release of Snow Leopard, whose accompanying applications (including Finder, Mail, Safari, iCal, iChat, and so on) will be 64-bit.
If you have been using the 64-bit version of Windows, please share your experience by leaving a reader comment below.
Comments
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1. Nick Weavers
I started using 64bit computing when W7 beta first came out and initially had some problems finding 64 bit drivers, but the Compatibility feature provided in that version meant I could get around most of these. The RC release did not have this and I experienced a few more driver compatibility problems when I switched to it, but these were again overcome with a little googling. The biggest bonus for me was Nvidia getting on board with Microsoft early. Their W7 drivers were released wth the beta so the OS recognised my GTX80 card straight away. Also, graphics performance for games has greatly improved (see reasons here http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/04/25/engineering-windows-7-for-graphics-performance.aspx)
2. Psyon Wong
Just recently built a new PC, so I thought I would give Windows 7 x64 bit a go.
Turned out brilliantly. Using XP caused my monitor to Overscan, so couldn't see the edges of screens, but using 7 it "just scan"ned perfectly.
Not having any problems installing it so far, everything is running smoothly. Only problem I'm having is a bit more specific, my VFD only works in Media Center.. and because of some other issues, after reinstalling Windows7, I can't even get the VFD to work at all!! Thanks Shuttle!
3. CPK Smithies
Not used Windows 64-bit, but failed to get XP-64 going a couple of years ago, which is what propelled me into 64-bit Linux (and I'm not going back to Windows!).
One of the most significant features of the 64-bit mode is that the CPU has twice as many registers, so compiled applications really do run twice as fast (if the compiler's code generator makes use of them), even if they don't need 64-bit operations.
4. George
I have been using 64 bit Vista for over 8 months, it feels faster than 32 bit, but the main problem is drivers. More than half of the printers available in the company cannot be used (and they are not that old) as they either don't have a 64 bit driver or if they do it doesn't work.
Also I have to use 32 bit IE8 as there is no 64 bit Adobe Flash plug-in.
Some older hardware will never have 64 bit drivers, so 32 bit will be around for a good while yet.
5. Allen Abel
I have installed win7 64 bit OS and its fantastic ,no problems.I also fitted a new SSD 128Gig hard drive at the same time and the combination is amazing ,Ive never had such a smoothly operating problem free machine .