64 bit OS.....

Silicon Skum · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 1:23 am Post subject: 64 bit OS.....

I've just finished building my new AMD 64 X2 machine and I need help with deciding what OS to run. I don't know if I should stick to 32bit windows XP (which I have ready to install) or should I install a 64bit windows......OR would it be better to run 32bit windows with a 64bit Linux dual boot install / 64bit linux live cd?

Are there any advantages to running a 64bit OS with the current software available, or would it be better (and cheaper for me) to just stick with 32bit XP pro for a while longer until 64 bit stuff is more mainstream??

I was going to try out XP 64, but the time limit is only 120 days (acording to MS website) and I don't really want to have to do a re-install so soon.
The computer is mostly going to be used for whatever DC project our team is doing and a bit of gaming / web browsing.

Any ideas? Confused

SS
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[TN] Nathan · ALMIGHTY PWNER! Joined: 14 Feb 2002 Posts: 7406

Stick to 32bit for now, there is no need for anything more.
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[KoG]^weaZel · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 10:50 am Post subject:

seconded, wait for Vista to go 64-bit.
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fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

Thirded. There's a nagging driver issue with XPx64. You're likely to load it up, only to find out that there's no mobo drivers or vid card drivers for your rig, and have to reload regular XP anyway.
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Silicon Skum · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 2:13 pm Post subject:

OK, 32 bit it is then.

thanks guys.

Should have this puppy running shortly. just one thing, due to a slight urm.....incident, I'm having to use same reg key as another of my computers, so does anyone know where I can download either SP1 or SP2 for XP without having to go to the M$ website. I dont want to end up having my windows key black listed as cracked or the M$ gestapo kicking my doors in to hand me a fine for being a "pirate". I've paid my soul, oops, I mean money to Satan, sorry.......I mean Mr Gates but I dont have the reg key any longer and the big brother type snooping of my hardware to verify I'm legit is going to be a problem.

Just SP1 will do, it's just so I can install the USB 2.0 driver that is part of it (no driver with the mother board, just a txt file saying the driver is on the service pack

)
Im using a legit install CD, just had a problem with the reg key, I kinda lost it.

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fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

Give MS a call. Since you have the orignal CD, which has the pertinent product ID number on it, they should be able to find the serial number for that disk for you easily enough, or issue you a new one.

You'll want to have that CD handy, though, they'll want that 4000 digit number on the front of it, the approximate date you got it, and if it was registered, to whom and approximately when.
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racing87stang · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 3:30 pm Post subject:

hehe i just did my switch to 64-bit..... let me tell you.... WAIT!!!

Lack of drivers (that are fully compatible most are just beta's)
Anti-virus- I think there are only 2 that actually work for 64-bit
browsers and everyday programs...(these just crash alot Like Firefox... SO MANY compatibility issues - it runs but just that)
Java, flash, and codecs for audio and video are flaky on 64-bit.

Its worth it to kick back on 32-bit. Im just glad I still have my reg Win XP Pro disc. Ill hang on to this 64-bit until they start to come out with 64-bit apps that run right.
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2old2care · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 4:11 pm Post subject:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=049c9dbe-3b8e-4f30-8245-9e368d3cdb5a&DisplayLang=en

SP2 is (I believe) considered essential and is downloadable to IT professionals without hassle. I carry a copy on cd with my other utilities and such. Another nice little tool is autopatcher. It is released once a month with all the patches, plus some other nice little goodies (java, flash, tweakUI) all in a drill down, select what you need menu. I carry a copy of this also, I consider it a necessity.

Yep, weaZ is prolly correct in the idea of letting M$ get Vista out with it's 64bit capabilities. You know hardware ppl will get proper drivers written then.
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