32-bit to 64-bit questions-

[Volcompat321]

The reason I posted here instead of tech support is because I want opinions/answers before I do anything.

So, this is my laptops specs I guess. It's a Gateway M-1625.
[SPOILER-BOX]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk115/Volcompat321/Specs.png[/SPOILER-BOX]
Now, I know it's not the best and whatnot, but it does what it needs to do.
Oh, I checked my laptop, it is 64-bit capable
[SPOILER-BOX]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk115/Volcompat321/Specs2.png[/SPOILER-BOX]

My reasoning behind posting this is because I want to know what does 64-bit do compared to 32-bit, and how do I upgrade to 64-bit from 32-bit?

What does 64-bit do that 32-bit cant do?
Is it worth upgrading since I have 4gb of RAM? (I heard more RAM is better for 64-bit, is this true?)
(also, the laptop came with 2gb of RAM, but I bought 2-2GB sticks of RAM a while back, that's why it has 4GB)
Does upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit cost anything, or is it a simple download upgrade?
Would I be better off staying 32-bit, or upgrading?

Thanks for the time, and opinions and answers :D

[Itachi1990]

You need a 64-bit vista CD.The reason it didnt come with a 64-bit was because you only had 2 gigs of RAM and you need at least 3 gigs to run it.I recommend waiting for windows 7 so you can just buy the CD for that.

Edit:If you have a 32-bit vista CD key you can try this http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/1033/ordermedia/default.mspx.

[joefro]

The terms 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the way a computer's processor (javascript:p('50c159ff-fc24-456f-b873-e772ae34b8d21033#gtmt_central_processing_unit__cpu __def',%20'E3')) (also called a CPU), handles information. The 64-bit version of Windows handles large amounts of random access memory (RAM) (javascript:p('bbe9242f-fe78-45c7-b4d2-4dd06c8db3381033#gtmt_random_access_memory__ram__d ef',%20'EHB')) more effectively than a 32-bit system. For more details, go to A description of the differences between 32-bit versions of Windows Vista and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=111538) online.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/windows/supportFiles/global/gl_arrow_up_static.gif[/URL]

[url]http://tinyurl.com/m778ax (http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/41531554-d5ef-4f2c-8fb9-149bdc5c8a701033.mspx#E5B)

[Rubius-sama]

64-bit is capable of doing more calculations per second. It won't speed things up unless you use processor-intensive programs like video editing, photoshop, and 3D rendering for example (they must be 64-bit versions). It also allows for more RAM so you can have tons of stuff going at once. Other than that, not much.

[SabZero]

Put Ubuntu on it, 64 bit, of course. It's free and aimed at ease of use. You can always buy MS Windows later. You can also install it after windows, and dual boot (I do). Do it. ;)

[Volcompat321]

I think I might do it lol.
The thing is, I don't know too much about computers, so it's hard for me to dual boot.
I mean, what are the uses for dual booting?

[DreXxiN]

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx

I have hardly any complaints so far and am very happy with it so far. You can choose between 32 and 64bit downloads. With 32bit, you get less calculations per second and your RAM is limited to 4GB of RAM - VRAM. Assuming you have ANY, you're not using all of your RAM, but if you upgrade to 64-bit, I think it supports up to 16GB of RAM.

[Volcompat321]

Since I have 32-bit now, could I upgrade to 64-bit Windows 7?
Would I have to reinstall every program I use?
Does a ps3 controller work on Windows 7 like the vista driver things?

[DreXxiN]

You'd have to back up your programs regardless what OS you switched too unless you partitioned your hard-drive for dual boot. PS3 controllers were a little tough to get working on 7, admitedly, but now that I have it working it's awesome because the SIXAXIS sensors work too. You can install 64 bit vista if your MOBO is compatible regardless of your current OS.

[Volcompat321]

Wow sixaxis on windows, too bad I only play PSU on my pc lol.
My MOBO is 64-bit compatible.
Do you happen to have the link to the driver stuff needed for the PS3 controller?
Also, thanks much, I might switch to Win7.
I will backup my stuff. I partitioned it to backup stuff anyway, and I might be coming back here to ask you questions lol. :D

Driver questions-does it come with drivers, or is that why I have to be connected to interweb? Will it auto download the drivers when I plug in and update?

[DreXxiN]

http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation-3/ps3-dualshock-3sixaxis-x64-windows-7-drivers-now-available/

It'll read the controller when you plug it in, but you need the drivers to get the analogs working for some reason. It's a bit to work with but I'm happy with it, especially since the actual SIXAXIS program was a pain, lol.

[Volcompat321]

Pretty cool.
I just got my product key for Win7, and I'm downloading it now. 64-bit version.
I hope this works out, it seems like a pretty interesting OS.
Thanks much DreX

(it says not to try it on a main house pc....no problem right?)
It's my laptop, I'm the only one that uses it, but there shouldn't be anything wrong right?

[DreXxiN]

Eh, nothing went wrong with me. I think it's saying that because it's still in a beta stage, but it should be fine. More stable than the full version of Windows Vista Ultimate for me so far, lol.

[Volcompat321]

lol.
I like Vista (cause I got used to it), but what are some major differences between Win7 and Vista?

Oh hey, do I have to plug in my laptop to the internet, or can I use WI-FI right away?

(going fast, I think)
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk115/Volcompat321/Win7.png

[Volcompat321]

well wtf.....I went to go put it on a disc I have, and it was full...Thought it was empty, it's a RW anyway.
So I closed the RAR thing by accident. Since I hit open with winrar, not save, I cant open it on winrar. I have to DL it again. Another hour and a half.....ugh...........
It's beginning to be a hassle already.
Also, I don't have a disc....Apparently the disc I was trying to use is not RW, my dvd drive just said it was.....
So, a disc and 1 hour and 9 minutes are stopping me from putting Windows 7 on my PC...
Maybe it's a sign saying don't! lol.

[VioletSkye]

You don't need an RW disc, any recordable DVD will work whether it be +R or -R (depending on what format/s your DVD drive supports.) As for using your wireless, it will depend on whether or not Windows 7 has a driver available to load for it. What you should do before installing Windows 7 is go to your laptop manufacturer's website and download all of the Vista 64bit drivers and save them to a disc or a flash drive, that way if Windows 7 doesn't have a driver to install for a particular device, you can try the Vista 64bit driver which will usually work just fine.

**remember that you will need to create a bootable disc from the iso file. Don't just burn the iso file onto a disc as data or it won't work. you probably already knew that but I thought I'd mention it.**

[Volcompat321]

Actually, I did know that, but have no idea how.
Explain please?
Also I knew I didn't need a RW specifically, it's just what I was trying to use.
Also-does win7 work with PSU normally now?

[VioletSkye]

Actually, I did know that, but have no idea how.
Explain please?
Also I knew I didn't need a RW specifically, it's just what I was trying to use.
Also-does win7 work with PSU normally now?
Both of the popular disc burning programs (Nero and Roxio) will allow you to create a disc (in this case bootable) from an iso. If you don't have either or if you aren't able to find the option, you can use a great little free program called DeepBurner (http://www.deepburner.com/?r=download). Either the installer, DeepBuner Free 1.9 or the standalone portable utility, DeepBurner Free 1.9 (portable edition) will work just fine. When you launch the program, one of the choices is to create a disc from an iso.

As for PSU, I have no idea, I installed PSU when it was first released in October of 2006, played it for a few hours, was bored to tears and haven't installed/played it since lol.

[Volcompat321]

oh wow lol.
Thanks for the program, I'll be using it.
I also have to find a disc to put it on.....My damn discs are full.....:(
That's the only thing stopping my pc from win 7 now. It JUST finished downloading.(again)

[Volcompat321]

Another update-
Apparently, you have to have Vista 64-bit to install Windows 7 64-bit.
Or else I'm doing something wrong. :(
My friend has the Vista disc where is has 32-bit and 64-bit install options, but he cant find it.
I'd rather not use 32-bit Windows 7.

[Volcompat321]

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk115/Volcompat321/Windows7.png

[SabZero]

Congrats. If you still want, you can also try Ubuntu (or pretty much any GNU/Linux out there) with a LiveCD - no installation required ^^

Edit: Link (https://help.ubuntu.com/community/LiveCD)

[Volcompat321]

Thanks :D
Thanks for the link. I'll look into this :D

I still need help getting PSU to work. Not exactly sure what to do.

[DreXxiN]

Nope, I upgraded from Vista ultimate 32-bit into Windows 7 ultimate 64-bit.

[Volcompat321]

It wouldn't let me for some reason.
I had home premium if that matters.
Now I cant get my wireless network to work with Win7.
Any tips?

[Volcompat321]

[SPOILER-BOX]http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk115/Volcompat321/ATI1.png[/SPOILER-BOX]

Isn't there something missing here?
I swear there were 3 things when it was Vista
No idea how to fix this.

[VioletSkye]

Is the wireless driver even loaded? Look in Device Manager to see if it lists the wireless card under Network Adapters. I don't see it listed there in your Network Connections screen above. Did you do as I suggested and download the Vista 64bit drivers from the laptop manufacturer's website? They should have a Vista 64bit wireless driver you can download and install. It's not guaranteed to work but it usually does.

[Volcompat321]

Yup, I downloaded everything needed.
I deleted everything and went back to Vista :(
I really liked the layout of 7...
I think I will wait for the full version to come out.
I even called Microsoft, the lady on the phone said "some routers are not compatible with Windows 7".
I said, "well fuck that, I'm not dealing with it"
and then I went back to Vista Home Premium 32-bit.

Oh well :(:(:(:(
I was looking forward to a new windows. (how long til the full version is out?)


[SPOILER-BOX]
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk115/Volcompat321/Windows7.png[/SPOILER-BOX]


(notice the wireless working here. I was at my friends house, he has a router at least 4 years old. I bought my router almost a year ago)

[Volcompat321]

Alright, another update-
I dual booted setup thing Windows Vista and Windows 7
I had no idea what I was doing, but apparently it worked.
Windows 7 64-bit, with internet access is a go.
Excited now :D

[amtalx]

For future reference, look into VMware if you want to have multiple operating systems. Its safer and easier than dual booting, plus you have access to both OSes at the same time.

[Volcompat321]

Well, the thing is, I know close to nothing about actually doing this.
I took a guess as to what I'm supposed to do. It seems to be working great so far.

[SabZero]

For future reference, look into VMware if you want to have multiple operating systems. Its safer and easier than dual booting, plus you have access to both OSes at the same time.

I'm interested. Does PSU work with that setup?

[Volcompat321]

http://www.ps3news.com/PlayStation-3/ps3-dualshock-3sixaxis-x64-windows-7-drivers-now-available/

It'll read the controller when you plug it in, but you need the drivers to get the analogs working for some reason. It's a bit to work with but I'm happy with it, especially since the actual SIXAXIS program was a pain, lol.


I'm following the steps it say to, but when I DL the driver stuff, and save it, then follow the steps-when I get to the part where you say "have disc" then browse, it wont show up in my downloads (where I saved it)

[amtalx]

I'm interested. Does PSU work with that setup?

I've heard of people doing gaming in a VM (virtual machine) but have never tried it myself. I always play my games on the host OS. VMware is mainly if you want to have access to multiple OSes without having to mess with your current setup. For example I have Ubuntu, Fedora, Vista and Win7 all on the same machine running under WinXP. If you are crafty you can even run MacOS on a PC (suck it Steve Jobs). It helps to have a lot of RAM though...

One of the nicest things about it is that it runs from a single file on your HD. You can just burn that file to a DVD or back it up to a external HD and copy it back if you blow up the installation.

[Blitzkommando]

For future reference, the different versions of Windows have different (artificial) limitations on how much memory they recognize. Ultimate, Busines, and Enterprise recognize up to 128GB; Home Premium up to 16GB; Home Basic 8GB. While this, likely, doesn't affect too many users yet it is definitely something to factor in if you wish to use the operating system for a while yet, and potentially install it on a new machine. Mind, even 128GB is a paltry artificial limit compared to the 16EB (16,777,216GB; exabyte for reference) worth of addresses available for a 64-bit operating system. For further reference, Windows 7 leaves Home Premium at 16GB but ups Professional, Enterprise, and Professional to 192GB. With 4GB DDR3 DIMMs becoming more common, i7 (and soon i9) systems in particular will easily break the 16GB limit this year with potentially 24GB of RAM. I have a feeling that even with a 2 or 3 year cycle on Windows that the 'paltry' 16GB limit set with Home Premium may end up killing its popularity in that time. I mean, hell, I saw a HP system at Sam's Club the other day with 8GB of RAM for under $1400. With it being so cheap to toss in memory today, and with it becoming increasingly cheaper to produce, I think that artifical limit in particular could end up biting them in the ass.

On a separate note, GameGuard doesn't play well with virtualization or emulation either. Last I heard is that games which use it may run in WINE, but online will be a no-go as it doesn't work with the driver(s) which GameGuard requires to run.

Speaking of emulation and virtualization, you may want to try out "XP mode" with Windows 7. Essentially Microsoft gives you a free Windows XP install which then runs as a virtualized system. Think of it as running XP within a window within Windows 7. That said, keep in mind that whatever memory setting you use with it will be put in use in Windows 7. That is to say, if you set it to 2GB (I highly recommend you don't with just 4GB) that you would be using up that entire 2GB even if the virtualized XP was using only 512MB at the time. Read up about Virtual PC and XP Mode at Microsoft's website (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx) for more in depth requirements and potential settings you might have to change. XP Mode might very well be another reason we could see Home Premium bomb with Windows 7 as it doesn't have what may prove to be a popular selling point, XP Mode.

[SabZero]

Yep, thought as much. Double boot for PSU it is ;)

Volcompat321: Did you un pack the drivers - if they're zipped or some such...

[Volcompat321]

I got it all figured out.
I did it weird....