[Ham-Computers] Vista Home Premium 32 bit vs. 64 bit?

[Philip (KO6BB)]

Aaron,
Again, thank you.  To confirm it, I copied my Log-EQF folder (the DOS 
logging program I use for beacons) to a memory stick and checked it out.  I 
then put that in my wife's computer and tried to run it.  As expected from 
what you said, I got that (paraphrased) "can't run as it's incompatible with 
the 64 bit Vista" windows error!

It runs just fine on my (identical) laptop running the 32 bit version. . .

So, it appears that anyone who wants to run any "vintage" ham radio programs 
would want to avoid buying computers with the 64 bit OS.  IF I ever HAD to 
run on my wife's machine I'd have to switch to the 32 bit system.

Incidentally, in checking with MS, I found a page that said that since they 
charge exactly the same price for the 32 and 64 bit "home" systems they 
would provide a disk for anyone who had to switch to the other one (I didn't 
see a mention of any shipping charge).  But you DO have to provide your 
"License number" to get it. . .  So, I suspect that if I ever wanted to 
change my wife's computer over (same model as my laptop) I could legally use 
the restore disks from my machine.

73 de Phil,  KO6BB
http://ko6bb1.multiply.com/
http://members.lycos.co.uk/ko6bb/

DX begins at the noise floor!
RADIO/Antennas: Yaesu FT-2000, Two Modified Mini-whips.
Homebrewed 6Hz Filter, Modified MFJ-1040C Pre-Amplifier.
Merced, Central California, 37.3N 120.48W  CM97sh


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)" <aaron.hsu at nbcuni.com>

Hi Philip (et al),

Yes, the 64-bit editions (x64) of Windows do seem "snappier" than the 32-bit 
editions.  The standard 32-bit apps really don't run that much faster (and 
some may even run slower on Windows x64), but the underlying 64-bit kernel 
is able to do things a bit faster (such as I/O read/writes) making the 
overall experience seem faster.  64-bit apps will generally run faster, but 
there aren't many of these and they're usually pretty specialized.

>From a legal standpoint, you may or may not be able to "switch" from 32-bit 
to 64-bit - you'll need to read your Windows EULA to be sure.

There are actually more disadvantages to running 64-bit "desktop" editions 
of Windows than the advantages.  The primary advantages of 64-bit Windows 
are:

* Support for >4GB memory space
* "Snappier" performance
* (Slightly) more protected kernel

Disadvantages:

* Requires 64-bit device drivers for all hardware devices (no 32-bit driver 
support)
* All device drivers *must* be signed
* Some 32-bit apps won't work properly in Windows x64
* No 16-bit compatibility layer - 16-bit apps will not run in Windows x64

In general, unless you have an absolute need for Windows x64 (e.g. have a 
64-bit app), it's best for now to stick with the standard 32-bit editions.

Just my $0.02.


73,

  - Aaron, NN6O