Software

[CJBear1997]

I recently upgraded to Vista Ultimate 64bit version, and while I am having no issues with the Vista end of things, here are a few things to consider before jumping to the 64 bit software...

1.Make sure you are upgrading from a 64 bit version of Vista if you wish to go to Vista ultimate or business, you CAN NOT, I repeat, CAN NOT upgrade from a 32 bit to a 64 bit version without buying the full version and doing a clean install.

2. Neither Rogers, nor Sympatico's security software work on the 64 bit versions. This means you will have to pay out for a good antivirus and antispyware programs.

3. Most of your older software may run, but expect several glitches.

4. Make sure BEFORE you upgrade that your system has sufficent ram, and at least a dual core processor.

5. Aero, the Vista desktop does take up a lot of resources, but it can easily be turned off, however, I find that "Dreamscene" makes it worthwhile.

5.B  "Dreamscene" allows you to set video as your desktop background, not just still images or pictures, but moving video, and not just the video clips that come with the Vista package, but so far I have confirmed any AVI, MPG, MPEG FILE.

I hope this helps anyone considering upgraping,

CJ.

Message Edited by Danlap on 05-10-2009 10:14 PM

Message Edited by Danlap on 05-10-2009 10:15 PM

[Credible_Chris]

I'm really wondering what incentive (if any) are there to using 64-bit system rather than 32-bit.  Its sounds like nothing but a tremendous hassle to me.

[CJBear1997]

With the exception of the online services not having security software, I have had no hassles. I run a quad core with 8 GB of ram, which the 32bit system only recognised 3.25 gb's of, that is one big advantage. I also found that there appears to be a lot more bells and whistles on the 64 bit. I also find that the 64 bit handles multitasking a lot better, running 6-10 app's at the same time as smooth as a hot knife going through butter, haven't had a single crash yet, or any programs hanging up. It was a small investment, but well worth in my opinion.

CJ.

[Credible_Chris]

Oh, right....brain fart on my side!

Of course there is the ability to run more than ~3GB of RAM which is becoming ever more common these days.

And as 64-bit systems become more common, I'm sure we'll be seeing less and less software and hardware compatbility problems.

Also hopefully the up and coming Windows 7 will improve these things as well.

enjoy

[quicksilver47]

Thanks CJbear. That post was quite informative. I have a question for you. I am running a 32 bit Vista Home Supreme on my Compaq laptop. It has 2 gig of RAM and a 250 hard drive. I was wanting to upgrade to a 64 bit OS so that I can run 4 gigs of RAM. Is this at all possible?

[mtrump]

"1.Make sure you are upgrading from a 64 bit version of Vista if you wish to go to Vista ultimate or business, you CAN NOT, I repeat, CAN NOT upgrade from a 32 bit to a 64 bit version without buying the full version and doing a clean install."

All versions of Vista - even Home Basic - comes with 64-bit.  However, whether there are any incentives running 64-bit Home Basic on a machine targeted for Home Basic is another story.  (Most likely, those machines will not be anywhere close to 4GB RAM installed).

And regarding upgrading, there are two sides to the issue - technical-wise and license-wise.  Technically yes - you must do a full install from scratch in order to go from x86 to x64.  In terms of license, if you have the retail plastic box package, you can request for a x64 DVD from Microsoft by paying the shipping cost (except Ultimate which comes with both x86 and x64 DVDs). For Vistas that shipped with the PC, it doesn't hurt to ask the manufacturer to see what their policies are regarding x64 "crossgrades".

``2. Neither Rogers, nor Sympatico's security software work on the 64 bit versions. This means you will have to pay out for a good antivirus and antispyware programs.``

Avast is available for free and supported on x64.  The upcoming Microsoft Security Essentials will also be available on x64.

[quicksilver47]

Thanks mtrump. I will look into that.

[Brechan]

In regards to Anti-virus software for Vista 64 bit; I;m not sure what ISP all of you are with, but if you happen to have your internet through SHAW, then you can install their SHAW Secure program...it works just fine on my 64 bit (Vista) system, and best of all, it's free.

Here is the link to the program: http://shawsecure.shaw.ca/

[wiiman64]

---

Brechan wrote:

In regards to Anti-virus software for Vista 64 bit; I;m not sure what ISP all of you are with, but if you happen to have your internet through SHAW, then you can install their SHAW Secure program...it works just fine on my 64 bit (Vista) system, and best of all, it's free.

Here is the link to the program: http://shawsecure.shaw.ca/

---

"2. Neither Rogers, nor Sympatico's security software work on the 64 bit versions. This means you will have to pay out for a good antivirus and antispyware programs."

---

So it depends on your ISP. I have Telus, and there's no internet security included, so I just don't have internet security

[Brechan]

---

So it depends on your ISP. I have Telus, and there's no internet security included, so I just don't have internet security

---

Try using this anti-virus software from download.com ; it's free, works with Vista, and many of my friends use it for their computers

http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html?tag=mncol

Another thing to consider when wanting to upgrade to Windows Vista 64, is whether you want to pay for a 'boxed' retail version of Vista, or an OEM (buliders version) of Windows Vista

Retail Version: Windows Vista Home Premium

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&dm=DEBUG&sku_id=0665000FS10100052&c... $249.99

Sorry, the program wouldn't allow for the above address to show as a link, so you'll just have to do the old 'copy and paste' thing.

Message Edited by Brechan on 07-02-2009 12:24 AM

Message Edited by Julez on 07-02-2009 09:09 AM