

Microsoft Says Tipping Point Already Reached
















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RE: It should be 64bit only
By johnsonx on 1/23/2009 3:06:51 AM , Rating: 2
On one hand I agree with the notion that Windows 7 should be 64-bit only. It does seem a good time, now that 64-bit processors are nearly ubiquitous.

However, many people underestimate the amount of software out there that just won't run on 64-bit windows. It isn't just hardware drivers that have to be 64-bit, it's any sort of driver at all (you'd be surprised how many programs use some sort of driver). I have several programs I depend on that won't work with 64-bit windows because of this.

Also, don't forget that 64-bit mode also eliminates 16-bit software compatibility as well. The business and corporate environment tends to depend on many older applications that might break on a 64-bit OS. For example, I have a client who needs to keep an old version of Autocad running for various reasons... but it can't be installed on any of the new Vista 64 boxes because the installer is 16-bit.

So, if the plan is to have Windows 7 be the final 32-bit Windows, with strong emphasis on the 64-bit version, then that's probably a reasonable compromise.

RE: It should be 64bit only
By Darkskypoet on 1/24/2009 8:14:01 PM , Rating: 2
Do what the rest of us with Brand new 4-8-12 GB of ram systems with a stupid crap load of resources, and multi core processors do... Run that prog in a VM...

I have run into the same problem with my clients who have no need to upgrade a $20k accounting prog because it does exactly what they want it to do. I run it in a VM. It's far cheaper to run a vm in the Vmware player, and buy a couple licenses for constructing the image and testing, etc. Plus the roll out is uber simple.

So now, they have a little vm running win2k on top of their XP64, or Vista 64 systems that due to advances in the industry, are already more machine they really utilize.

Problem solved, client happy, no worries about both maintaining compatibility, and moving forward.

I would imagine, that since all server and desktop OS's from MS are now from the same code base (for each individual main version of course ; Xp64 = Server 2003, 2K = Server 2k, 2008 = vista, etc) because of support contracts, and other legal requirements to continue to support certain hardware for certain clients. The increased MC of putting out a 32bit desktop version since they have to put out a 32bit server version is relatively low, and as such to not put out a desktop variant @ 32bit would be silly. I'd imagine, that there are other products that would utilize a Windows 7 code base.. (ok Vista SP3) in embedded systems, etc, that do not require 64bit, and again like net books... MS wants their current OS in.


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