windows xp pro x64 bit any good or avoid?

loopy_lass

does anyone know anything about this OS? i got a mate whos thinking about putting it in a new comp, but wonders if because its so new no one has released any support for it, should he stay clear & wait or install it cos its ok.

If he did install it and it was pants, how or can he revert back to x32?


any comments peeps?

cheers Loops

T4i

I've seen XP64 running fine on some systems, I've also seen many people run into BIG problems with it.

If you can get it running sweet with your hardware then cool, its a quick operating system. If you can't get it running sweet then you prolly won't until further development.

Best thing to do is make a list of all the hardware you have installed, visit each website and see if the 64bit drivers are available.

Then...make a list of the software you use or want to use and again visit and make sure its available for XP64.

I waited for SP1 until I started using XP, I'll do the same with 64 if I've upgraded my system before that happens (not much chance of that!)

You could also make a dual boot system with both XP32 and XP64.

loopy_lass

T4i wrote:

You could also make a dual boot system with both XP32 and XP64.

sounds good, er... how does he do that?

loops

T4i

Make a brew and read....

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/q306559/

Its not too hard to do, a little confuzzling when reading how to do it. Do you have a XP32 disc?

loopy_lass

hes her now reading all this n says yes he has a xp32, so will point him in the direction u mention... many thanks

loops

Rex_Mundi

I've got this running on my latest dual core machine. I never came accross any problems finding drivers for the computer hardware and this OS.

I've been using it for approx 2 months now, and haven't found many hardships at all. I had a problem with the Zonealarm 64 bit beta firewall (10 mins or so before I uninstalled it), and I'm currently in contact with Sony to get my camera drivers in order. Apart from these two cases, everything else has run fine for me.

All the 32bit programs I've installed run fine (including a few games).

I figure that it won't be too long before we see 64bit support from from all the big software companies.

I would recommend this OS. It even seems to run 32bit programs a bit quicker than normal.

Xio_2

Coming from XP 32 bit, there is usually a noticable performance boost in general tasks and most 32 bit programs - thats a good thing

And now that it has been out for a while, I'd say the vast majority of device manufacturers have got x64 drivers available on their websites. The situation is a lot better - I remember a few months ago there were some extreme problems with lack of drivers for certain wireless cards/adapters in particular.

Although you will be able to run 64 bit software - is there really that much 64 bit software out there at the moment that warrants the upgrade? Also bear in mind that if you have some older software that you cant live without, that just about manages to run on a 32bit XP perhaps using compatibility mode, it will really, really not like x64.

Having used x64, I personally think there is no use in upgrading for the average user at this point in time - perhaps for a power user or the specialist business user maybe. I'd rather spend my money on Vista when it eventually arrives.

Omertron

I'd second all that's been said, there are a few older programs that won't run, but more or less everything else is fine. Still not found a native x64 firewall that I like (used to use Zone Alarm) but pretty much everything else driverwise comes in x64 versions, just make sure you download them before installing or you may have problems with network cards and the like.

MrsTinks

I don't mean to be patronising but the easiest way of putting this is - If he doesn't really know if he needs it then he shouldn't get it. If he has XP32 bit at the moment I'd hang on and wait until Vista comes out (and then leave it another few months for the major bugs to be removed) before upgrading his OS

There are too many problems with compatibility at the moment and if you don't know what you're doing you'll probably end up worse off than you were to start with

JMHO