Is there much point in going to XP Pro 64 bit instead of regular XP Pro other than to make full use of 4Gb+ of RAM?

As far as I can see there is barely any 64 bit software out (especially in big name packages like Adobe) and there doesnt appear to be any real benefits application wise. I dont really understand the details of 32 bit vs 64 bit when it comes to current software.


I should add, Im wary of considering Vista either, ideally Id like to install an OS that is going to be practical for the next 2-3 years without requiring a change or reinstall.

Usage will include: web browsing, web dev, Photoshop work, High def vid playback.

I used to be on 64bit xp but upgraded to vista a while back - i needed to format anyway so i thought id give it a go.... and while i really liked it there were a few niggling problems, like no dual screen display (no decent drivers for my card) and it had problems running some of the lan games i play with my nephew, so im back on XP64... and loving it :-)

its defiantly worth going with 64bit over 32bit... even if the software youre using is only 32bit, 64bit windows is still running faster/more efficiently in the background compared to 32bit

plus, its been around long enough that theres no real downside anymore, theres plenty of drivers etc.. around and everything runs great :-)

I installed 64bit xp on my sisters comp and had no end of troubles last year getting stuff to work like various usb devices and itunes. Ended up installing 32bit xp onher com as it was too much hassle for what she needed. However in comparison to xp64, Vista 64bit is fine. Ive not had to reinstall/reformat any more than with xp, if not less. It takes a bit of getting used to but I seriously dont think its as bad as people make out now. Sure it had a bad start but I think many of the issues that its associated with have been ironed out now.

Im tempted to give Vista 64 a go seeing as everything seems to be geared more towards it now. The memory and process/management is certainly supposed to be a lot better than in XP (something that grates me no end if a program collapses and decides to shaft everything else while its at it).

 
Ive never looked back.  Flawless and fast.
 

Quote from: Clockd 0NeIm tempted to give Vista 64 a go seeing as everything seems to be geared more towards it now. The memory and process/management is certainly supposed to be a lot better than in XP (something that grates me no end if a program collapses and decides to shaft everything else while its at it).

M8, xp pro 64bit in terms of stability and smooth running is ace, while I need to format I think at the moment I have not done so for years and unlike xp where you really feel the performance drop in pro your fine

Vista 64 here for over a year, XP 64 before that. Check driver availability first, then suck it up and give it a go. Whats a couple of hours of wasted time to get a computer thats faster and more efficient for, in your words, 2-3 years?

thinking about it, i think most (if not all) of my problems were because I have an older gfx card, so on a brand new system vista should run perfect :-)


when i upgrade ill switch back to vista

Gotta say, Ive been using Vista for a week now and I think its awesome. the file manager is a bit strange, but is actually very fast to navigate with once youre used to it. Its fast, multitasks well, and has lots of little touches dotted around that make the user experience that little bit nicer than with XP. I dont know what everyone complains about

The only bit of hardware unsupported for me has been my ages old Labtec webcam, which tbh is due an upgrade anyway.

XP64 == Windows 2003 x64 with an XP skin on it

Vista64 == Windows 2003 x64 with a Vista skin on it.  

From bench testing I found that XP64 was slightly faster on exactly the same hardware.

My numero uno feature of vista is the whole windows button and type what you want and hit enter thing, so much nicer than having to use the menus!

Quote from: zpyderMy numero uno feature of vista is the whole windows button and type what you want and hit enter thing, so much nicer than having to use the menus!

There are desktop launchers available for xp too.

I use launchy (http://www.launchy.net)

alt-space type.. enter.. whammo anything you want can be done, even internet searches.

Thats another one for the free software thread

I have Vista 64 dual booted with XP64, I can't remember the last time I booted Vista tbh.  
I ran into the major network share problems some people have after running update, I really can't be bothered to reinstall to fix it as XP64 is so much faster and it murders Vista in game.

From my experiance I wouldnt really be fussed if I was using and 64 or 32 version of XP.

With Vista providing there are not drivers you cannot find then I would not hesistate to go for 64 and try and get at least 4 GB in there.  Vista loves ram and will thank you for it.

Quote from: CypherFrom my experiance I wouldnt really be fussed if I was using and 64 or 32 version of XP.

With Vista providing there are not drivers you cannot find then I would not hesistate to go for 64 and try and get at least 4 GB in there.  Vista loves ram and will eat it all up, then ask for more.

Corrected   -)