XP Pro vs XP Pro 64 bit?

[nikimcbee]

I'm building a new computer, which operatin' system should I go with? I'm leaning towards XP Pro 64 bit. Are there any issues with it? good bad, ugly:cool:

[porphy]

I run XP 64 pro. I like it. I can have 4 gb ram without going vista and the 64 bit cpu can do its job. But check that there acctually are 64 bit xp drivers for everything you want to connect to the computer. (Like flightsticks, track ir, special keyboards, etc)

cheers Porphy

[JSLTIGER]

I would suggest putting Vista on the new machine. Its problems are seriously exaggerated and it is a very stable OS that isn't six years old. I know that with XP64, drivers have always been a problem, so make sure that you can find them for everything you need.

[kiwi_2005]

Agree with JSLTiger, install Vista premium or ultimate edition. Or go dual install, and put XP pro on C/ Vista on D/

[SUBMAN1]

Don't even get me started on Vista. It is half as fast as XP doing the same tasks even after installed SP1, and it gives you absolutely nothing over XP. In case you care, I am typing this from Vista Biz edition, and have to work with both XP and Vista every day, and looking at the pig Vista is, I have opted to only install it on my laptop at home. It has DX10, yes, but DX10 is just DX9 that is easier to program for if you want to break it out into reality. Yes, it has more advanced pixel shaders, but show me one person that can see the difference and I will congratulate them for being able to spot it. Pointing out that it has 20% less performance in the same games is not the type of difference that I am asking to have pointed out.

Anyway, the OS you should install, and it is not in your list, is Media Center Edition 2005. If Vista were Win ME (It's nickname is ME II), MCE 2005 would be Windows 98 SE.

Just my two cents.

-S

[antikristuseke]

I pretty much agree with allmost everything Subman1 is saying, exept some of the DX10 stuff, but that is irrelevant in this mater.

[nikimcbee]

I'm under the impression I shouldn't have compatibilty issues, but I might have some driver issues? I just have a printer, scanner, and joystick.:hmm:

[Reaves]

In all seriousness Vista 64 is a better option than XP64.


Companies don't give a stuff about making drivers for XP64....


If you can get an OEM copy of Vista get it, otherwise wait until the price drops but stay the HELL away from XP64!!!!!!!

[nikimcbee]

Man this is a tough decision!:roll: I read all of the reviews at newegg. Everybody loves it because it's "not vista" and it's not a resource hog. The only real issues are driver support, which looks like that has improved.:hmm:

[SUBMAN1]

Man this is a tough decision!:roll: I read all of the reviews at newegg. Everybody loves it because it's "not vista" and it's not a resource hog. The only real issues are driver support, which looks like that has improved.:hmm:What? MCE 2005? Or Vista? MCE 2005 is still the best OS available.

MS is not going to push Vista for much longer (For good reason - no one likes it). They already have its replacement coming in 2009.

http://www.news.com/Windows-XP-outshines-Vista-in-benchmarking-test/2100-1016_3-6220201.html

Beginning to see the big picture? ME only lasted 1999 to 2001. Vista will have about the same lifespan. 2007 to 2009. Windows (9?) will be what Vista was supposed to be. All the cool features of Vista were chopped to make it ship in 2007. What Vista is supposed to be is coming. You just have to wait longer.

Until then, use MCE 2005. Best OS out there at the moment. MCE 2005 is basically Windows XP Pro enhanced. If you need to connect it to a domain, you still can if you manipulate the hive manually and set it to legacy enabled (Makes it think you upgraded from MCE 2004 so it keeps domain support).

-S

PS. Stay away even from Vista 64 - getting many tools that require their own drivers will still not work. PDFCreator for example. Ot anything that loads any sort of support for itself. Maybe you won't run across this much, but it is frustrating when it happens. I down-graded a few machines in this office from 64 bit back to 32 bit just to keep them compatible with various tools and utilities. I didn't think this upgrade to 64 bit would be a problem initially, but it bites you in the butt later on. There is no other reason to have 64 bit other than to have more than 4 GB of RAM addressable. Your 64 bit apps won't run any faster. just be able to use more memory. So if you plan on having 20 GB of RAM in your system, you need 64 bit. If you plan on having a normal 2 to 4 GB of RAM, stick with 32 bit. You will thank me later when all your programs you ever wnat to run work fine. Don't even get me started on the Windows certification process that is required for 64 bit - the very reason you have little driver support on either XP64 or Vista 64.

PPS. I leave you with this note:

Is MS Admiting Vista Is A Failure?


WITH TWO OVERLAPPING events, Microsoft admitted what we have been saying all along, Vista, aka Windows MeII, is a joke that no one wants. It did two unprecedented things this week that frankly stunned us. Dell announced that it would be offering XP again on home PCs.


The second that Vista came out, Microsoft makes it very hard for you to sell anything other than MeII. It can’t do this on the business side because it would be laughed out the door, but for the walking sheep class, well, you take what you are shovelled. This is classic abusive monopoly behavior, Microsoft wrote the modern book on it.


It pulled all the major OEMs in by twisting their arms with the usual methods, and they again all fell into line. Never before has anyone backpedalled on this, to do so would earn you the wrath of Microsoft. But Dell just did. This means that MeII sales are at least as bad as we think, the software and driver situation is just as miserable, and Dell had no choice but to buck the trend.


If anyone thinks this is an act of atonement for foisting such a steaming pile on us, think again, it doesn’t care about the consumer. What happened is the OEMs revolted in the background and forced Microsoft’s hand. This is a big neon sign above MeII saying ‘FAILURE’.

[SUBMAN1]

One more thought - why not get MCE 2005, and Vista Ultimate at the same time. Buy your copy of MCE 2005 from Newegg, and to save you from having to buy Vista Ultimate as well, you can get it free from here -

http://wfp.microsoft.com/Welcome.aspx

That is if you don't mind them onitoring crashes on your sytem for 3 months, and filling out a couple surveys. At least it saves you $400 if you want. It will also have both 32 bit and 64 bit on the same DVD. You can dual boot both of them to take a look.

Hopefully this helps you make a decision.

-S

[nikimcbee]

Man this is a tough decision!:roll: I read all of the reviews at newegg. Everybody loves it because it's "not vista" and it's not a resource hog. The only real issues are driver support, which looks like that has improved.:hmm:What? MCE 2005? Or Vista? MCE 2005 is still the best OS available.

MS is not going to push Vista for much longer (For good reason - no one likes it). They already have its replacement coming in 2009.

http://www.news.com/Windows-XP-outshines-Vista-in-benchmarking-test/2100-1016_3-6220201.html

Beginning to see the big picture? ME only lasted 1999 to 2001. Vista will have about the same lifespan. 2007 to 2009. Windows (9?) will be what Vista was supposed to be. All the cool features of Vista were chopped to make it ship in 2007. What Vista is supposed to be is coming. You just have to wait longer.

Until then, use MCE 2005. Best OS out there at the moment. MCE 2005 is basically Windows XP Pro enhanced. If you need to connect it to a domain, you still can if you manipulate the hive manually and set it to legacy enabled (Makes it think you upgraded from MCE 2004 so it keeps domain support).

-S

PS. Stay away even from Vista 64 - getting many tools that require their own drivers will still not work. PDFCreator for example. Ot anything that loads any sort of support for itself. Maybe you won't run across this much, but it is frustrating when it happens. I down-graded a few machines in this office from 64 bit back to 32 bit just to keep them compatible with various tools and utilities. I didn't think this upgrade to 64 bit would be a problem initially, but it bites you in the butt later on. There is no other reason to have 64 bit other than to have more than 4 GB of RAM addressable. Your 64 bit apps won't run any faster. just be able to use more memory. So if you plan on having 20 GB of RAM in your system, you need 64 bit. If you plan on having a normal 2 to 4 GB of RAM, stick with 32 bit. You will thank me later when all your programs you ever wnat to run work fine. Don't even get me started on the Windows certification process that is required for 64 bit - the very reason you have little driver support on either XP64 or Vista 64.

PPS. I leave you with this note:

Is MS Admiting Vista Is A Failure?


WITH TWO OVERLAPPING events, Microsoft admitted what we have been saying all along, Vista, aka Windows MeII, is a joke that no one wants. It did two unprecedented things this week that frankly stunned us. Dell announced that it would be offering XP again on home PCs.


The second that Vista came out, Microsoft makes it very hard for you to sell anything other than MeII. It can’t do this on the business side because it would be laughed out the door, but for the walking sheep class, well, you take what you are shovelled. This is classic abusive monopoly behavior, Microsoft wrote the modern book on it.


It pulled all the major OEMs in by twisting their arms with the usual methods, and they again all fell into line. Never before has anyone backpedalled on this, to do so would earn you the wrath of Microsoft. But Dell just did. This means that MeII sales are at least as bad as we think, the software and driver situation is just as miserable, and Dell had no choice but to buck the trend.


If anyone thinks this is an act of atonement for foisting such a steaming pile on us, think again, it doesn’t care about the consumer. What happened is the OEMs revolted in the background and forced Microsoft’s hand. This is a big neon sign above MeII saying ‘FAILURE’.

Dude, you rock:rock: Thanks for the data. I haven't built my new computer yet, I'm leary of having driver issues, but I haven't heard anything bad about it (xp 64 bit), unlike vista. I'm thinking about jumping ship back to 32 bit xp pro, but I'm under the impression all of the problems that vista is causing, they are working on drivers for vista and xp64. I just want SH3 and 4 to work. hhmm SH4:hmm:

[SUBMAN1]

Did you see my link above? Get both. The Vista Ultimate you can get for free. Then you can dual boot. THen you can make your own decision. Have XP and Vista on the same system, and then you will see what I am talking about. XP is just so much more responsive.

-S

PS. Here is that link again - http://wfp.microsoft.com/Welcome.aspx - Just select Vista Ultimate as your gift.

PPS. If you would rather have Office, you can have that too:

What about the free product?
If you are a Windows Vista or Windows XP user and decide to join and participate in both programs, we will send you a free Microsoft product when you participate in the program. Limit one gift per person. This offer is non-transferable. This offer expires on 12/31/07, while supplies last, and is not redeemable for cash. Taxes, if any, are your sole responsibility. The current list of products to choose from are:

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit DVD)
Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007
Microsoft Money Plus Premium
Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2008
Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008

[nikimcbee]

Did you see my link above? Get both. The Vista Ultimate you can get for free. Then you can dual boot. THen you can make your own decision. Have XP and Vista on the same system, and then you will see what I am talking about. XP is just so much more responsive.

-S

PS. Here is that link again - http://wfp.microsoft.com/Welcome.aspx - Just select Vista Ultimate as your gift.

PPS. If you would rather have Office, you can have that too:

What about the free product?
If you are a Windows Vista or Windows XP user and decide to join and participate in both programs, we will send you a free Microsoft product when you participate in the program. Limit one gift per person. This offer is non-transferable. This offer expires on 12/31/07, while supplies last, and is not redeemable for cash. Taxes, if any, are your sole responsibility. The current list of products to choose from are:

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit DVD)
Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007
Microsoft Money Plus Premium
Microsoft Student with Encarta Premium 2008
Microsoft Streets and Trips 2008S

PS. Stay away even from Vista 64 - getting many tools that require their own drivers will still not work. PDFCreator for example. Ot anything that loads any sort of support for itself. Maybe you won't run across this much, but it is frustrating when it happens. I down-graded a few machines in this office from 64 bit back to 32 bit just to keep them compatible with various tools and utilities. I didn't think this upgrade to 64 bit would be a problem initially, but it bites you in the butt later on. There is no other reason to have 64 bit other than to have more than 4 GB of RAM addressable. Your 64 bit apps won't run any faster. just be able to use more memory. So if you plan on having 20 GB of RAM in your system, you need 64 bit. If you plan on having a normal 2 to 4 GB of RAM, stick with 32 bit. You will thank me later when all your programs you ever wnat to run work fine. Don't even get me started on the Windows certification process that is required for 64 bit - the very reason you have little driver support on either XP64 or Vista 64.



I read it a little closer:oops: . It sank in the second time:roll: . I was getting XP64 for the wrong reasons. It looked great on paper, but once I thought about it, the problems are irritating. I have zero need for 64bit applications, so why put up with the issues:damn:

The Office offer is interesting, but nothing is free...so, my distrust alarms are going off:ping: .

[SUBMAN1]

I hear you and you should be skepticle. It is of course only for 3 months. The purpose is to look for faulting apps more than anything. A small price to pay for such an expensive box! :D Then again, I understand if you don't want to.

-S

[Reaves]

Damn you sure hate Vista Subman. :rotfl:

[Ducimus]

Damn you sure hate Vista Subman. :rotfl:

It's a new MS OS they shovel, and ramrod down everyones throats, just like they always do. Thats reason enough. Having been riding on the OS train since MS DOS 3.1, i make it a rule to not "upgrade" OS until the box labels start saying its required.

[Reaves]

Damn you sure hate Vista Subman. :rotfl:
It's a new MS OS they shovel, and ramrod down everyones throats, just like they always do. Thats reason enough. Having been riding on the OS train since MS DOS 3.1, i make it a rule to not "upgrade" OS until the box labels start saying its required.

Oh how I miss loading games in dos.


c:\
cd games\wolf3d
dir /w
wolf3d

I had no time for windows 3.1 and 3.11. Useless at the time imo.

[Ducimus]

LOL, then you know the drill. My machine booted to a dos prompt until Win95 came out and took root. Didn't have any choice then, as programs are developed entirely different and wont function without windows message mapping.

[JSLTIGER]

I remember those days...when I used to have a computer that ran 3.1, I used to work mostly in DOS and then type in "win" when I got stuck (granted, I was 7).

[SUBMAN1]

Damn you sure hate Vista Subman. :rotfl:I don't hate it. I wouldn't run it on anything if that were the case. A more accurate statement would be that I am disappointed by it. Does that put it into perspective?

-S

[JSLTIGER]

Microsoft cancelled that promotion for free software. Unless you beat the cutoff time of 2PM PST yesterday, you will not receive your software.

[goldorak]

I'll upgrade the moment windows xp is not supported anymore as in "this software will not install on xp" and no I don't care about directx 10-11 etc.
So it will be a good many years before this happens. :p
Xp sp 2 is just too stable (never had a bsod) to upgrade to uncharted territory just for the fun of it.

[nikimcbee]

I'll upgrade the moment windows xp is not supported anymore as in "this software will not install on xp" and no I don't care about directx 10-11 etc.
So it will be a good many years before this happens. :p
Xp sp 2 is just too stable (never had a bsod) to upgrade to uncharted territory just for the fun of it.

My thoughts exactly:up: