Have to Make the Switch

Ok, so, my comp shipped with a copy of vista 32-bit home premium and after learning the advantages of 64-bit I made the jump. I've loved it. Aside from the os seeing all of my 4 gigs of ram, it was just snappier and all around, much better. I spent hours getting everything setup and now guess what, I have to switch back. Why? Not because I didn't love 64-bit over 32-bit, but because I just found out that my school's network does not support any 64-bit os's. Therefore, I have to move back to 32-bit home premium. So if anyone has any suggestions for me or ways I could get around this, that'd be great. For all you 64-bit owners, keep it going, I'll switch back as soon as possible. It's been nice.

 

When you say your schools network doesn't support 64-bit OS's, is this from experience, or is it just hear-say? I'd try it, and then if you can't find a way to make it work, switch back.

 

I smell BS. Why would having a 64-bit OS interfere with accessing a network? I think that they just don't want to deal with any potential, unlikely. hassle.

 

I suppose it's possible that to access their network you have to use their software, which isn't 64-bit compatible, but it's unlikely methinks.

 

What kind of a network is it? if it's a regular wifi network, I don't see how it wouldn't work.

 

Vista has WoW (Windows on Windows), so it can run any 32-bit application. If however, the network requires 16-bit applications, then there would be a problem. In that case, however, you should tell the administrator to upgrade the network!

 

Check it out: http://resnet.calpoly.edu/?p=9

 

My god they are invasive. They won't let you use better AV-software. Or even use a router or switch in your rooms.

 

Wow, that's bull. I'd still try to use the 64-bit OS first though, and see if it works. Also you could try contacting some of the CS majors and inquiring whether there's a way to get 64-bit to work with it.

 

There doesn't seem to be any program needed to be installed. They're just being big brother and want to controll you laptop. As soon as you connect it, it will be theirs, not your.

 

Yeah, you have to install the "Clean Access" program, which makes sure you meet their "minimum security" requirements. It scans your computer and forces you to download their AV and all critical or high-priority windows updates if you want to log on to the network.

 

AAH. I missed that. There was too much BS there. I wonder if anyones managed to hack it...? I still think they'll spy on what you do with your computer.

 

I'm sure they won't officially "support" Win 64, meaning they won't give you tech support, but if you convince them that you know what you're doing and you'll run antivirus software, they'll probably let you use it. Just try it, and if it doesn't work, talk to academic computing or whatever and ask if they can treat it like a Linux system where they just let you on and don't mess with you.

 

Thanks guys, I'm gonna try to convince them, but I'm not sure how it'll go.

 

Ya try first 'cause you might have worried for naught.

 

Apparently cisco clean access doesn't support 64-bit so I have to duel boot or make the big switch to 32-bit only. If I duel boot I can't access the internet while using my 64-bit version. I dono if it's worth it.