64 Bits of Windows
People within the IT world are still reeling from the introduction of Window Vista but already Microsoft is moving ahead with designs for a new “better” operating system. Although the actual specs are long from finalized it is believed that the 7th version of Windows will also be the last to use 32bit architecture. As many know 64 bit operating systems are nothing new, with both Vista and previous versions being offered but the limited hardware drivers have always been their weakness. By forcing the upgrade Microsoft is taking steps to improve overall performance but also open the door to numerous complications.
So what’s the benefit of a 64 bit operating system and why should you care? Well on the whole it comes down to system memory and the ability to process multiple operations at one time. On modern 32bit operating system systems are limited to around 3 gigabytes of memory. It’s important to remember that this is a limit on total memory of your system; so if you have a 500 mb graphics card the maximum amount of physical memory you can use is now only 2.5 gigs. While this may sound like a lot to many readers it is quickly becoming the lowest common denominator in design. When you consider that Windows Vista requires 2 GB of ram by itself to run at optimum levels it’s not hard to see why improvement will soon be needed.
While upgrading will allow new hardware and software capabilities it is still important to understand the headaches the transition period will create. Much like not updating an aging browser is detrimental to design and security not updating an operating system can create the same problems. Currently most hardware manufacturers do not fully support 64 bit operating systems. The reason? It’s not practical to spend half of your operating budget on 5% of your demographic. Even though the newer more powerful systems would be better if people are reluctant to upgrade then there is no reason to make them so. The end result is a vicious cycle of self reinforcing stagnation.
Version 8 of Windows is still a long ways off and jumping on the bandwagon just in the name of progress is never wise; that said there are still things you should do. First and foremost find out what the new operating system(s) will mean for you. Just like with Windows Vista find out if your current hardware will support the upgrade. If it does or even if it doesn’t find out if your company will gain a benefit from the upgrade. Major upgrades should never be taken lightly but a little bit of planning and some guidance from a knowledgeable source can make the whole process far less stressful.
- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department
So what’s the benefit of a 64 bit operating system and why should you care? Well on the whole it comes down to system memory and the ability to process multiple operations at one time. On modern 32bit operating system systems are limited to around 3 gigabytes of memory. It’s important to remember that this is a limit on total memory of your system; so if you have a 500 mb graphics card the maximum amount of physical memory you can use is now only 2.5 gigs. While this may sound like a lot to many readers it is quickly becoming the lowest common denominator in design. When you consider that Windows Vista requires 2 GB of ram by itself to run at optimum levels it’s not hard to see why improvement will soon be needed.
While upgrading will allow new hardware and software capabilities it is still important to understand the headaches the transition period will create. Much like not updating an aging browser is detrimental to design and security not updating an operating system can create the same problems. Currently most hardware manufacturers do not fully support 64 bit operating systems. The reason? It’s not practical to spend half of your operating budget on 5% of your demographic. Even though the newer more powerful systems would be better if people are reluctant to upgrade then there is no reason to make them so. The end result is a vicious cycle of self reinforcing stagnation.
Version 8 of Windows is still a long ways off and jumping on the bandwagon just in the name of progress is never wise; that said there are still things you should do. First and foremost find out what the new operating system(s) will mean for you. Just like with Windows Vista find out if your current hardware will support the upgrade. If it does or even if it doesn’t find out if your company will gain a benefit from the upgrade. Major upgrades should never be taken lightly but a little bit of planning and some guidance from a knowledgeable source can make the whole process far less stressful.
- Richard Keene
IT Computer Support of New York
Design and Optimization Department
Labels: 64 bit Windows, Microsoft Windows 7
posted by Richard Keene | 10:13 PM
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