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Arclight · 02-06-10, 06:20 PM

Why they still sell 32-bit OS is a good question, but matter of fact is there are still people on older systems that can't run 64-bit OS. After taking a lot of heat over Vista, last thing Msoft needs is more flak from forcing people to move to 64-bit. Perhaps 32-bit OS is also (marginally) cheaper, making it a more cost-effective option for lower-end pre-built systems that come with OEM edition. Conversely, it makes it possible to charge extra for equiping such machines with a 64-bit OS.

There are definitely programs that won't run in 32-b "emulation" on a 64-b platform, but I can't give any examples because I never came across any. Everything I use works fine.

XP-mode is nothing more than a Virtual Machine pre-installed with XP; I have it, but never used it. Again, I'm sure there are programs that won't run in Vista/Win7 (it's more likely it won't run on Vista than Win7), but everything so far works fine for me. Seems (imo) like a marketing move to take away any concerns people might have about "upgrading" (keep in mind trust was damaged by Vista), or a feature to entice people to purchase a more expensive edition.

Though I should note I don't use "specialist" stuff; fairly average user.

You can forget about gaming on XP-mode btw; hardware is simulated: your actual graphics card does not get used for anything executed within the VM.

02-06-10, 06:20 PM	#7
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	Why they still sell 32-bit OS is a good question, but matter of fact is there are still people on older systems that can't run 64-bit OS. After taking a lot of heat over Vista, last thing Msoft needs is more flak from forcing people to move to 64-bit. Perhaps 32-bit OS is also (marginally) cheaper, making it a more cost-effective option for lower-end pre-built systems that come with OEM edition. Conversely, it makes it possible to charge extra for equiping such machines with a 64-bit OS. There are definitely programs that won't run in 32-b "emulation" on a 64-b platform, but I can't give any examples because I never came across any. Everything I use works fine. XP-mode is nothing more than a Virtual Machine pre-installed with XP; I have it, but never used it. Again, I'm sure there are programs that won't run in Vista/Win7 (it's more likely it won't run on Vista than Win7), but everything so far works fine for me. Seems (imo) like a marketing move to take away any concerns people might have about "upgrading" (keep in mind trust was damaged by Vista), or a feature to entice people to purchase a more expensive edition. Though I should note I don't use "specialist" stuff; fairly average user. You can forget about gaming on XP-mode btw; hardware is simulated: your actual graphics card does not get used for anything executed within the VM. __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia. Last edited by Arclight; 02-06-10 at 06:32 PM.