Windows 7: 64 vs 32 bit

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
I thought you were saying that legacy == pre64bit.
I dont even think it would let you install on something as old as a PII.
No, I used the beta until it expired. It has Vista Ultimate (64bit key, lol) on it now...


Well, I'm just saying they shouldn't have bothered much with making Windows 7 in a 32-bit version at all. Sure, there are some 32-bit computers out there that will run it. However, the need for new, cutting edge 32-bit operating systems is no longer there. I would agree a PII likely would not take well to trying to install Windows 7.

There are a lot of legacy computers out there, and many of them do valuable work. It's just time to accept that the newest software simply won't work on them. My Pentium II doesn't like the absolutely newest versions of 32-bit Linux, since it does tend to get bogged down. The older versions work much faster and do what is needed.

I was running it dual boot with Linux and FreeDOS. Now, the latter definitely flies on a machine like that.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Sort of a related question, but is an upgrade from W7 32bit to W7 64bit a complicated process?

I found this, but it doesn't really go into details:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

Can I use the same serial number that I currently have for W7 32bit when installing the 64bit version? Obviously, I would have to get the 64bit install disk first...

Sorry for taking it a little OT... but hopefully 97tbird already got his answer.

 

[tmorris1]

Each install disk has both the 32 and 64-bit versions.

 

[Virtuoso]

Our new Acer laptop had Win7 64bit installed and so far, no compatability issues have arisen. It does everything just like Win7 32bit does on the desktop.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: tmorris1
Originally Posted By: ToyotaNSaturn
Originally Posted By: tmorris1
Windows 7 32-bit won't even allow you to access all 4GB of that RAM.


Neither will 64 bit. More will be available of course, but some room above 3GB is saved for BIOS shadowing and video remapping.

I have a desktop with 8GB of RAM on it, it shows 7.5GB usable.

Depends on the BIOS too.

64-bit is using that memory, but it is for the operating system and not available to the user. You must have BIOS and video
shadowing turned on in the BIOS or else you have video that is sharing system RAM.

The point is that 32-bit physically can't address the memory where 64-bit can. The memory is getting used in 64-bit whereas in 32 bit it will not. My 64-bit install with 4GB shows a total of 4GB available for use. I have an external video card so no memory if shared.


Mine shows in Task Manager:

Physical Memory (MB):
Total: 8190

 

[javacontour]

For those asking why is there still a 32bit build, I suspect it's because of drivers and some software compatibility.

For example, I still have an "above average intelligence" phone. A few years ago, it was a smart phone, but not today, LOL.

There is not 64 bit driver to sync that phone with Windows 7. So I cannot connect that phone via a USB cable to my 64 bit Windows 7 box.

There are 32bit drivers that work with Win7, but no 64 bit drivers.

Oddly, I can sync my phone via bluetooth. So I solved the sync issue by purchasing a $20 USB bluetooth adapter that is supported by Win7 64bit.

But for other cases, I suspect there are no work arounds and the customer/user has to go with the 32bit choice to retain compatibility with some bit of gear, or perhaps even an application.

So if you are not trying to reuse any hardware such as printers, or other devices, I'd go with 64bit.

If you have any device that must be on this computer, ensure there is a good 64 bit driver before you choose the 64 bit option.

 

[Colt45ws]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: tmorris1
Originally Posted By: ToyotaNSaturn
Originally Posted By: tmorris1
Windows 7 32-bit won't even allow you to access all 4GB of that RAM.


Neither will 64 bit. More will be available of course, but some room above 3GB is saved for BIOS shadowing and video remapping.

I have a desktop with 8GB of RAM on it, it shows 7.5GB usable.

Depends on the BIOS too.

64-bit is using that memory, but it is for the operating system and not available to the user. You must have BIOS and video
shadowing turned on in the BIOS or else you have video that is sharing system RAM.

The point is that 32-bit physically can't address the memory where 64-bit can. The memory is getting used in 64-bit whereas in 32 bit it will not. My 64-bit install with 4GB shows a total of 4GB available for use. I have an external video card so no memory if shared.


Mine shows in Task Manager:

Physical Memory (MB):
Total: 8190

Yeah, you lose a whole 2MB. I have 6142 instead of 6144.