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    Windows7 64bit 0r 32Bit (for older FZ) ?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by rezpower, Apr 14, 2012.

  1. rezpower

    rezpower Notebook Consultant

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    what do you guys think? is it worth installing the 64bit version now on my older
    fz180E? will there be any significant difference and benefice?
     
    rezpower, Apr 14, 2012
    #1
  2. namaiki

    namaiki "basically rocks" Super Moderator

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    If you use any very old programs, it's possible that you will have trouble running them on a 64-bit verison of Windows.
     
    namaiki, Apr 14, 2012
    #2
  3. ngvuanh

    ngvuanh Notebook Deity

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    If you want to utilize all 4G RAM, then 64bit is the only way to go.
     
    ngvuanh, Apr 14, 2012
    #3
  4. urgiv

    urgiv Notebook Consultant

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    if up to 3gb RAM x86
    if MORE go to x64
     
    urgiv, Apr 14, 2012
    #4
  5. rezpower

    rezpower Notebook Consultant

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    but seriously, is it just depending on the question of how much ram you have
    that you decide between the two versions?

    I have 2 gig ram, so installing the 64bit windows7 has absolutely no benefit for
    me? not even with a 64bit version of VLC watching a movie or other?!!!
     
    rezpower, Apr 14, 2012
    #5
  6. rezpower

    rezpower Notebook Consultant

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    a little bump!

    have to proceed with the new windows as my new hard disk is here now!
    So please tell me what you think!
     
    rezpower, Jul 22, 2012
    #6
  7. coolguy

    coolguy Notebook Prophet

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    You won't see any major benefit with 64-bit unless you have more than 3 GB of RAM. There is no 64-bit VLC player, it would still run in 32 bit mode.
     
    coolguy, Jul 22, 2012
    #7
  8. anytimer

    anytimer Notebook Virtuoso

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    For best compatibility, your media players (VLC included) will still be 32 bit versions - so don't use that as a criterion.

    The most significant difference between 64bit and 32bit (apart from the RAM issue that you have already discussed) is the driver signature enforcement in 64bit versions of Windows. This is a pain if you have legacy hardware and 64bit drivers are not available, but if you can find 64bit signed drivers for all your hardware, this adds a layer of stability to your system as buggy/rogue/poorly designed drivers are not allowed to be installed on your system. This applies to kernel mode drivers and services as well, so antivirus, etc. also have to be designed for 64bit. Many low level hacks used by software pirates to crack protection methods will simply not work - a good thing, IMHO, as a lot of malware uses similar methods - but your opinion might differ, especially if there is a beloved/essential legacy app that will no longer work.

    There are other differences but they are mostly significant in professional fields (there are advantages in data crunching etc.).

    My advice - set up dual booting on your system and try out 64bit for a while - that is what trial versions are for. If you like it, stick with it.
     
    anytimer, Jul 22, 2012
    #8
  9. rezpower

    rezpower Notebook Consultant

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    thanks for the precious help guys :)
     
    rezpower, Jul 24, 2012
    #9