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General discussion

A Question Regarding Upcoming Windows Vista

Aug 6, 2005 2:55PM PDT

Its plain and simple. It will run well on 64-bit enabled Intel and AMD processors. But, the question is for a standard mainstream machine with the following specs, will Windows Vista work well?

Intel Pentium4 Processor 3.0GHz (32-bit)
Intel 915G-chipset motherboard.
1GB DDR400 RAM
80GB SATA Hard drive

Please help!!

Discussion is locked

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RE:
Aug 6, 2005 2:56PM PDT

Probably yes.

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So That Means..........
Aug 6, 2005 3:23PM PDT

I know this sounds stupidbut is Windows Vista a purely 32-bit or 64-bit OS or both Happy

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RE:
Aug 6, 2005 3:57PM PDT

Most likely will be both.

Roger

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Both...
Aug 7, 2005 12:46AM PDT

From what I've heard, Windows Vista Beta 1 is currently available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The question is how many versions will be available when it is shipped. Right now, keeping it basically the same as it is, I see:

Windows Vista Home 32-bit
Windows Vista Home 64-bit
Windows Vista Pro. 32-bit
Windows Vista Pro. 64-bit
Windows Vista MC. 32-bit
Windows Vista MC. 64-bit
Windows Vista TabletPC 32-bit
Windows Vista TabletPC 64-bit
And any other combination you can think of.

Either they are going to spend a lot of time and money producing these different versions, or they are going to combine some of them. I've heard rumors that Microsoft is planning on combining the TabletPC and MediaCenter versions with either Vista Home or Vista Pro. There's also been mention that the ''special features'' may be included with Vista at no extra charge. (Otherwise you'd have to pay extra to unlock/enable any advanced features such as MC.) Another option I see is including 32-bit and 64-bit versions of each product on a single DVD. I guess we'll have to wait for Beta2 or the final release to find out for sure what their gameplan is.

Hope this helps,
John

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OK
Aug 7, 2005 2:15AM PDT

That post does make sense and surely we'll have to wait and watch. So this seems pretty possible that Microsoft will be shipping Windows Vista in 32-bit version in addition to a 64-bit release. But another question that arises is :

Is there any requirement for someone who uses the computer for general purpose like basic office applications, internet, multimedia, digital content to switch to 64-bit OS for another two years?

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(NT) (NT) Probably Not
Aug 7, 2005 2:59AM PDT
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Not for some time...
Aug 8, 2005 1:54PM PDT

Right now there aren't many programs that are designed specifically for 64-bit processors. In fact Windows XP Pro. 64-bit just came out a couple of months ago. 64-bit processors and OSs still run almost all 32-bit programs, aside from those that are directly integrated withyour system, such as antivirus software and drivers. Thus, most of today's programs will still be fully functional in the new system.

Then, since Microsoft will ship 32-bit versions of Windows Vista, I doubt there will be a major switch to 64-bit programs (which can only run on 64-bit systems). It just doesn't make sense to produce only 64-bit programs and neglect a large portion of the market. In addition, I don't think many programs will be offered in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions any time soon, as a 32-bit version will run fine on all systems...why would they spend more to produce 2 versions when one will get the job done and make everyone happy?

I'm guessing that only high-intensity games and graphics programs will switch over to 64-bit in the near future. The industry is hoping to have mostly 64-bit computers on the shelves by 2007, and stop offering 32-bit computers sometime after that. When 32-bit computers completely disappear from the shelves and the next version of Windows (after Longhorn/Vista) is released, software designers will focus on 64-bit programs and many will leave 32-bit users in the dark. However, that is years (probably 3-5) away. Until then, the average user will be fine using 32-bit systems and shouldn't have a problem finding future versions of their software.

Hope this helps,
John

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Regarding Upcoming Windows Vista
Aug 8, 2005 12:41PM PDT

Tell you what, ask this question in Auguest of 2006.
That Vista thingy info is still blowin' in the wind.
I'm sure that no matter how powerfull the hardware is at the end of 2006, M$ will find a way bring it to it's knees
Keep in mind a Rose by any other name would still have thorns.

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(NT) (NT) Agreed
Aug 8, 2005 3:40PM PDT
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(NT) Good Luck !
Aug 19, 2005 9:14AM PDT

The fact that Windows vista is a poor atempt by M$ to move to unix operating system based on Mac's OS 10, it will most likely not be a duel boot. As greedy as M$ is they will not have it as a duel boot making you purchase another copy to run on a 64 Bit system. In other words you will probably have to choose up front 32 or 64 Bit. This keeps more in line with how M$ has done in the past.

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21st centry
Aug 25, 2005 2:53PM PDT

well... if vista doesn't run on every IBM compatible made since the turn of the century... Microsoft might miss a chance to make a dollar... so my guess... maybe you'll be able to install it on... your toaster... hahahahaaa....