Champing at the (64) bit

For years, mainstream PC processors have been capable of calculating 64 bits (binary digits) at a time, an advancement over 32 bits that can potentially speed up some applications—like gaming and photo editing—and allow the PC to use virtually unlimited memory space. Apple PCs running Mac OS 10.5 already have full support for 64-bit operation. But, so far, Windows PCs marketed to consumers have overwhelmingly been equipped with only a 32-bit version of Windows Vista. Well, no more.

New PCs from Gateway and HP that we recently tested for our Latest Ratings of desktop computers (available to subscribers) are only sold with the 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium. Why? The main reason, we think, is that they are equipped with more than the 3 GB of memory (RAM) that the 32-bit version of Vista can use. Moving to 64-bit memory addressing allows PC makers to equip desktops and laptops with (ultimately) many times more RAM than before—potentially 8,192 GB. This will usher in a new generation of applications with enormous memory-usage capabilities, improving performance in such areas as home-video editing.

But there are downsides to 64-bit computing.

aFirst, a 64-bit operating system communicates with the hardware of the computer in binary "words" that are twice as wide as 32 bits. So, the drivers—pieces of software that manage the communications between all parts of the PC—must be designed to handle 64-bit data. There's a chance that the peripherals you already own—printers, scanners,  external hard drives, fingerprint reader, backup power units—may not have drivers available from their manufacturers that will work with 64-bit Vista, especially if they are over a year or two old. You can check with the manufacturer to be sure.

Second, your favorite software may balk at running under 64-bit Vista. Though most major applications will either work out of the box or with a downloaded update, some will require a different version, and others may never have been updated to work in 64-bit at all. Microsoft provides lists of applications that are either "Certified" for Windows Vista, or "Work with Vista." (You can find the list online at: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/933305.) Applications on either list should be OK with 64-bit Vista. For others, you should check with the manufacturer.

Microsoft has an online "Windows Vista Compatibility Center" (currently in beta) to check if your hardware and software will work with 32- and 64-bit Vista. The site (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility) provides specific advice on what you need to make a device or program work with Vista.

For a good overview of the status of 64-bit computing and compatibility issues, see "Windows Vista 64-bit Today" on Microsoft's Windows Vista Blog.

—Dean Gallea

Comments

[Kiavash]

Thanks for this very informative post.

What about 64bit Linux? Would you have an article about it? It seems that it is free with many already freely available programs which can compete with their Vista counter part.