Entered CNET Catalog: 04/22/2005
SKU: XPP-X64-OEM
Manufacturer: Microsoft Corp.
Product summary
The good: Supports 128GB of physical memory; offers the promise of speed boosts when coupled with matching 64-bit processors and software.
The bad: Included apps Outlook Express and Windows Media Player remain 32-bit; even Windows Update service must be accessed using 32-bit Internet Explorer.
The bottom line: Only software developers and high-end workstation users will see real benefits from Windows XP Professional x64 Edition; everyone else should stick with 32-bit Windows XP instead.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 04/25/2005
Microsoft can afford to take a measured approach to 64-bit computing because few software applications are available in 64-bit editions and many hardware devices don't yet have compatible drivers. In fact, many of the native applications in Microsoft's new OS, such as Outlook Express and Windows Media Player, still run in 32-bit mode.
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition is a big deal for software developers because it gives them a solid Windows platform to write apps that can harness the potential of 64-bit. The release also represents a major milestone toward Microsoft's next-generation Longhorn operating system. Windows XP Professional x64 Edition promises substantial speed improvements with CAD/CAM, 3D modeling, and other high-end tools that will justify the move to the new OS. For the average user, though, 64-bit Windows is, for now, little more than a curiosity. Compatibility issues far outweigh any potential speed boosts, making it an inadvisable upgrade for all but the most die-hard hobbyists.
If you already have one of the millions of 64-bit-capable laptops running 32-bit Windows and want to switch, be prepared for headaches. Windows x64 doesn't offer a 32-bit Windows upgrade option; you'll need to do a fresh install. That means booting your system from the installation CD and navigating through some confusing text prompts to install the system. If you're planning to upgrade from a 32-bit Windows computer, you'll have to copy your settings (we recommend storing an external hard drive) and reinstall all of your utilities and applications later. Though most of your applications will work fine within Windows x64's 32-bit compatibility mode, if the software includes its own device driver, you may encounter difficulties. For instance, when we tried to install iTunes, we were greeted with an error message saying that one of the drivers included with the software wasn't compatible with Windows x64. Though the application launched and appeared to work, there's likely a compatibility issue lurking below.
In addition, each piece of hardware in your system needs a 64-bit driver to work properly. Though Microsoft includes many common device drivers with Windows x64, older or less common pieces of hardware won't work without a driver supplied by the manufacturer. Vendors such as Brother, Canon, Epson, Lexmark, Ricoh, Samsung, Wacom, Xerox, and Zoran currently offer driver support for the new OS, with other vendors expected to do so by the end of this year.
By far the easiest way to get 64-bit Windows is to purchase a new system with the software preinstalled. That way, you're assured that all of the PC's hardware will have 64-bit drivers available. Acer, AlienWare, Dell, FSC, Fujitsu, HP, Hitachi, IBM, NEC, and Unisys are expected to ship servers and workstations with either the server or workstation version of Windows x64 preinstalled. If you choose to upgrade a 64-bit system running 32-bit Windows XP, however, we strongly recommend creating a dual-boot system and installing Windows XP Professional x64 Edition onto a separate partition to test whether your hardware and software are compatible.
Microsoft designed its new OS to be backward compatible with 32-bit applications, and that's good since much of the software bundled within Windows x64, such as Outlook Express and Windows Media Player, remain 32-bit. The big exception, however, is Internet Explorer (IE)--Windows XP Professional x64 Edition includes both a 32-bit and a 64-bit version of the Web browser. However, since few if any browser plug-ins or toolbars are currently 64-bit, you'll probably want to use the 32-bit version for your daily Web surfing. At this time, there is no compelling reason to use 64-bit IE. Even Microsoft's own Windows Update is 32-bit only. When we tried using the Windows Update button on the Control Panel, Windows initially launched a 64-bit browser, then redirected us to run Update in a 32-bit browser instead.

Visually, x64 Windows differs little from 32-bit Windows XP Pro; the big changes are internal. Microsoft reworked the Windows XP Professional interface to run in 64-bit mode. In addition, x64 Windows is actually based on the Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 code base, which Microsoft touts as having better reliability and stability than its desktop versions of Windows XP. Because the new OS runs on 64-bit systems, you can now take advantage of a feature first introduced in Windows XP SP2, the so-called data execution prevention (DEP) feature, sometimes referred to as no execute (NX), which combats viruses and worms attempting to take advantage of buffer overruns in your system's memory. And because there are very few 64-bit applications, your current 32-bit applications run in a separate protected memory space to ensure compatibility and reliability.

The main advantage of a 64-bit operating system comes in its ability to handle huge amounts of memory. Thirty-two-bit Windows is limited to 4GB of physical RAM, with only 2GB available to an application, though there is a workaround that lets some applications access up to 3GB. Sixty-four-bit Windows blows away this limitation, supporting up to 128GB of physical RAM and 16 terabytes of virtual memory.
Of course, most systems don't have close to 2GB of RAM, and even if yours did, the extra memory wouldn't come in handy when balancing your checkbook or downloading MP3s. Microsoft designed Windows XP Professional x64 Edition for workstation applications such as CAD/CAM, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations, where extra memory support promises a big boost in performance. For example, instead of storing data on the hard drive, active applications will be able to store everything in much-faster RAM instead.
Even without massive amounts of memory, applications currently optimized for the 64-bit architecture may also see a speed boost as they take advantage of the processor's full capabilities. This could extend the performance boost to areas such as 3D gaming and video, sound, and photo editing. However, it will take a while until most popular applications are optimized for 64-bit. Vendors such as Avid, Softimage, BEA Systems, BMC, Cakewalk, Citrix Systems, CommVault, Computer Associates, IBM, McAfee, NewTek, Oracle, PTC, Symantec, Trend Micro, and Veritas Software have or will soon announce 64-bit editions of their software. More vendors are expected by the end of the year.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
System configurations:
Sharp Actius AL27
Athlon 64 2700+, 512MB of DDR RAM, 4,200rpm hard drive We expect technical support for Windows XP Professional x64 to include e-mail and some answers on an online FAQ page. Microsoft's toll-free phone support is available from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. PT on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53out of 53 user reviews
esque me gusta mas el vista
y ya
Pros: por k me gusta pero me gusta mas el vista sin albur jeje es encerio
Cons: por k no tengo sitema operativo jejejejeje
Updated on Mar 17, 2010hola grasias por mandarme el windws xp gratis aunke no se donde esta grasias kreo?
out of 53 user reviews
XP Pro 64-Bit edition works great for the right person
Pros: Easy Install
Not much add-on garbage
Quick Boot
Never Crashes
Never freezes
I haven't had a problem with it yet, save for what I list in Con
Cons: -The hardest thing you will encounter with XP 64-Bit are drivers: That is, finding the ones you need. It's taken a lot of research to get what I need.
-OS is not longer supported, so don't expect improvements.
No complaints otherwise.
It's fast, safe, secure. You can run just about anything on it.
out of 53 user reviews
Best Microsoft operating system created up to 2009.
Pros: Blazing fast if updated to 2009 latest, tremendously snappy and stable when updates are integrated into install-images. There are amazing custom copies available out there in the wild.
Cons: Sometimes hard to find drivers, but usually the Vista 64 bit drivers work 100% when installed manually. Some manufacturers do not distribute for this OS, which is stupid.
out of 53 user reviews
Works really well with powerful software such as adobe!
Pros: 64-Bit is the future for Microsoft Windows the power and speed is amazing! I'm hoping more software become compatible with it soon.
Cons: more software/programs need to be compatible with the 64-Bit versions instead of running on 32-Bit while installed on a 64-Bit system
out of 53 user reviews
Vista 64-Bit or XP Pro 64-Bit
Pros: Non at all.
Cons: Will not work.
out of 53 user reviews
If your hardware is supported, then it works great.
Pros: Better speed, support for more RAM
Cons: Hardware support isn't as good (but this is not the fault of the OS)
out of 53 user reviews
Works Great. Very Fast OS
Pros: Very Very Fast OS
Cons: Not all software and hardware will work with it.
out of 53 user reviews
Fantastically fast! A dream!
Pros: Extremely fast, lots of memory, high-powered computing for serious workstations.
Cons: Driver support is still catching up.
out of 53 user reviews
Love it, I will never go back...
Pros: More than 3 Gigs memory
Cons: can I get back to you on it?
out of 53 user reviews
Most Stable Operating System
Pros: Fully utilizes system resources effectively
Cons: Can't think of any
out of 53 user reviews
64 bit software
Pros: Faster downoads.
Cons: Lack of applications
I have Audigy 2 ZS Platinum and though there is a 64 bit driver, there a very few 64 bit applications to go with it. It is true that the 64 bit version also includes the 32 bit IE7.
out of 53 user reviews
AVOID AVOID AVOID
Pros: Pretty splash screen
Cons: Drivers missing
I am a power user and a Microsoft partner.
out of 53 user reviews
Good 1st try at an x64 desktop OS
Pros: Memory addressing beyond 4GB
Cons: limited application and hardware support
out of 53 user reviews
Not for the average user yet
Pros: Loads quickly and MS programs in the bundle work well
Cons: driver!!!! drivers!!!! drivers!!!!
I loaded it onto my second hard drive. It loaded fine. This way I can dual boot with XP 32 on my main hard drive.
Microsoft warns that 64 bit drivers are necessary for any installed hardware to run. They aren't kidding.
All of the motherboard mounted hardware on my system is recognized. This consists of Cmedia sound, ethernet, com port, printer port (don't know if anyone even uses the last two anymore), onboard video works and my AGP XGI Volarie V3 add on video card works.
The are no drivers available for any of my other add on cards: SB 128, Haugepauge Tv card and Linksys wireless adapter.
I can't access the internet yet, but have a wireless ethernet bridge ordered which I'm hoping will solve that problem, because there are no drivers necessary to connect it.
The only existing hardware that works is my cheap HP deskjet 3520. HP has a beta 64 bit driver for it on their website and it works fine. Cudos to them. Now if the other hardware manufactures will wake up we might get somewhere.
It loads much faster that the 32 bit version at least for now, but that will probably slow down a bit as I get more programs loaded, and hardware that actually had drivers that work.
Will I actually put down my hard earned money to buy it when my trial version runs out? I sure will.
Les
Last night I downloaded Grisoft version 7.5 64 bit antivirus. Loaded it into Windows 64 and it works fine. Things are looking up. The new free version won't work with 64 but the pro version does and it's very competitively priced. My ethernet bridge should be here soon so I will see if I can get on the web with it.
Les
Well, I got my ethernet bridge installed and running today so now I can get on the net using XP64. Did the updates, 48 of them anyway. Everything is working fine so far. I would much rather be able to find drivers for my existing hardwar than have to find new hardware such as a sound card, the onboard sound doesn't have the options I want, and TV card, but all in due time.
Les
out of 53 user reviews
Install and driver issues potentially serious but OK after that; Not all software will load
Pros: Boots and runs quickly. Familiar interface. Appears stable.
Cons: Very difficult setup from OEM version. Not enough 64 bit apps yet. Microsoft's lack of attention to the driver issue leads me to believe that this OS may be a dead end.
Mboard supports SATA and IDE RAID 0 or 1.
=> Will be used as a video editing station <=
=====> OS setup would not recognize the RAID array (created by the K8V's BIOS setup) so I had to include an IDE disk on which I loaded the OS, and will also load all the applications (an annoyance, but not a deal-breaker).
Interestingly, Suse Linux 10.1 loaded on the RAID array and ran with absolutely no problems other than warning that not all RAID arrays are suppported (but it recognized this one just fine).
The ASUS K8V mboard driver/support disk would not load at all - I had to download hardware drivers off the Internet (from the manufacturer sites, NOT FROM MICROSOFT - don't make the mistake of using drivers from MSFT). I could not use the ATI TV Wonder VE card at all - I will get an ATI card that uses a Theater 550 processor (Elite model) as there are relevant drivers listed for WINx64 on ATI's site.
All other hardware drivers loaded OK, but I had to uninstall and reinstall the video card before the drivers loaded properly.
=====> Once drivers were loaded the OS appeared stable. However, not all software would load (probably incompatible setup routines) and I did not feel like trying to install that software one program at a time.
MS Office XP apps (Word, Excel, etc.) loaded fine. Firefox 1.5 loaded fine also.
=====> OS boots quickly on this machine, no hangups so far (I will post more comments after some time using the OS and applications on this computer). Software also appears to run OK, but heavy testing has not yet been done.
=====> Bottom line - if you need aPC with 64 bit OS, either buy a system with WINx64 pre-installed (expensive?) or use a 64 bit LINUX installation. This OS is neither easily or quickly set up from scratch (as opposed to SUSE 10.1 which sets up easily).
The OS appears to be quick and stable once installed. More later...
out of 53 user reviews
Great; but more 64-bit apps needed
Pros: 64-bit architecture
Cons: various software compatibility issues
Driver support is decent - I had no problems finding 64-bit drivers for my hardware.
Software compatibility, however, is an entirely different story. The WOW64 implementation is there (great effort by Microsoft, by the way); yet many programs have not made any kind of compatibility workarounds for their apps. iTunes v6, for instance, would not even install on x64. Microsoft has made a great OS, but it is up to the software makers to provide 64-bit compliant programs.
out of 53 user reviews
Future looking good for 64 bit computing
Pros: Very stable, Best MS OS yet!,good performance
Cons: some peripherals like printers, webcams have no 64 bit drivers
This is the best Microsoft OS yet and is much better than 32-bit XP. It is more stable and even runs many 32-bit applications faster.
Most mainstream users will not worry about the extra memory capabilities of 64-bit, but I disagree with some reviews of it saying that it is not for the average user.
The extra stability and performance is very useful and i havent had a single blue screen crash in my 1 yr of use.
The main criticism and stumbling block to mainstream usage has been the lack of device drivers, but this is now being solved with most major companies supporting 64bit drivers for their products. Many large companies like HP, Epson, NVIDIA and ATI have 64 bit device drivers.
However some companies like Logitech and Lexmark are providing limited 64bit support for their products so you should watch out for unsupported devices.
You should buy this if you have the 64bit compatible processor and want the extra stabilty/performance but the real benefits wont be seen until 64 bit apps become mainstream.
But take caution when buying and do some research on the net so that when you install the 64 bit OS your printer wont become a paperweight like mine did. This is only a major problem with older devices.
Also make sure that any future hardware you are considering buying and any software you use regularly is compatible.
If you are buying a new computer I highly recommened this OS, provided its compatible.
If you already have a computer that is 64 bit compatible i suggest a dual boot setup which means that you install the 64 bit XP while keeping the 32 bit XP on the hard drive. If anything is incompatible you just run 32 bit XP to use it.
out of 53 user reviews
Works great here!
Pros: Very fast on AMD 64 bit system. All 32 bit programs work flawlessly. Most companies have (the ones I have programs for) 64 bit drivers online.
Cons: Future programs need to be able to upgrade from regular XP. You need to be computer smart to install this, it is not for the newbie unless you want to learn the fun of driver hunting.
out of 53 user reviews
Good,but little software
Pros: 64Bit Support for my Processor
Cons: Very little software
Eg. - No Print Driver support for Acrobat Pro 7.0
- Group Policy Management Console Does not work.
- Windows Desktop Search Does not work.
I am sure more apps don't work either. Unfortunatly I will have to go back to 32Bit XP until they catch up.
out of 53 user reviews
not as bad as you all think
Pros: everything
Cons: the problems are with the people who buy the wrong hardware and blame it nor working on xp 64
BUT, i don't think that you should upgrade from xp 32 unless you are really going to use 128GB of ram and 16TB of virtual memory! or if you don't do video editing or 3D graphics and the like.
out of 53 user reviews
Great Product!
Pros: Fast, Reliable, smooth, great for animation and photo work
Cons: DRIVERS!!! and Wireless adapters!
out of 53 user reviews
It's OK for now
Pros: works well with my graphics programs
Cons: Not enough driver support
out of 53 user reviews
It is Great runs super fast!!
Pros: Seems to double my speed in most apps.
Cons: None so far
out of 53 user reviews
Microsoft Should Allow Exchanges!
Pros: The divorice lawyer wants a reason why you should be split up
Cons: Microsoft will make you buy another copy of XP home, and you'll beg to own it!
out of 53 user reviews
Almost a year later, and still nothing
Pros: Boots faster. Yay.
Cons: Not even Microsoft writes drivers to support their own hardware, runs so many 32 bit emulators to make programs work, it slows the system down
out of 53 user reviews
Wait Before Windows XP x64
Pros: Hey it's 64 bit!
Cons: So what? Look at the benchmarks.
A little background: My mainstay workstation is a dual Xeon 3.2 GHZ running Win XP SP2 (yes, with hyperthreading off). I've been pleased with it for about two years. Recently, I thought it was time for an upgrade. Naturally, first on my list was a system based on an AMD 64 x2 (dual core sounds a whole lot better than 2 CPU's).
So I bought Windows XP x64 hoping to eke out the maximum performance. What a waste of money! Previous posts alluded to "lack of drivers" being a problem... but take it from me, lack of 64 bit drivers is a BIG problem. It took me forever to find the proper drivers that'll work with my dual nVidia 7800 SLI cards and my ASUS mobo. OK, but I *do* qualify as a geek so I *was* able to get the system stable--but this simply is not something AVERAGE computer users would do.
OK, time for the applications. Office 2003, no problem. But did the guy who gave this piece of trash a 10 even bother to try to USE it?! Some of the apps are noticeably SLOWER than on my AMD 64 F55 gaming machine (running Windows XP SP2). It certainly wasn't as snappy as my Dual Xeon box.
Then I found that my favorite editor, Lemmy, simply wouldn't install. The installer says something like "although this is an application, it was written for a different architecture."
I'm still having problems with Windows Media Player 9 and various CODECs.
I AM impressed about the PROMISE that 64 bit technology makes. But for the average user? This operating system hurls. Wait another three years until the application developers get all the wrinkles ironed out. THEN we can hope that Windows XP x64 is as seamless and ubiquitous as Windows XP SP2 is.
(OK. The REAL rating I would give this is a "3"... but since someone obscenely rated this a 10, I certainly have to make up for it)
out of 53 user reviews
ceteris peribus
Pros: nothing comes to mind
Cons: application problems
My opinion is that given the significant compatability problems this software is putting the cart before the horse.
out of 53 user reviews
C'mon Bill we expected far better
Pros: I would have to lie...then i have to kill you...its not worth thatq
Cons: The entire OS is a con, i have absolutely nothing good to say
out of 53 user reviews
Disappointed
Pros: Still runs like Windows 32, adobe works insanely well
Cons: Majority of Games are don't work with x64 without a patch, most don't have patches.
out of 53 user reviews
Tiger does better!
Pros: 64-bit OS?
Cons: No 32-bit thunk layer, requires too many updates, Drivers drop quickly, program support is minimal, lots of errors.
out of 53 user reviews
Windows XP x64 Stright blows
Pros: almost works
Cons: nothing works
out of 53 user reviews
Microsoft does it again!!!
Pros: 64biit computing duh!!!!
Cons: Lame 2 Program files folders/ 2 internet explorrors!
out of 53 user reviews
What was I thinking?
Pros: some applications are slightly improved
Cons: No advantage to the regular user
out of 53 user reviews
Slow start for now.
Pros: I like the performance.
Cons: Few application to use.
out of 53 user reviews
Overall im glad I got it because my programs run faster.
Pros: Faster speed , Still easy to use
Cons: Not much software or drivers out for it yet.
My Printer drivers wont work and no anti-virus or firewalls will work on it.
out of 53 user reviews
Good Enough w/ AMD 64- bit processors
Pros: Appearant speed increase, most apps are compatible
Cons: some drivers are hard to find for new OS
out of 53 user reviews
It really sucks right now.
Pros: Good operatins system
Cons: Not enough support
out of 53 user reviews
Great so far, not a huge improvement for home users yet
Pros: Better performance in memory-intensive apps, ran everything except Norton Internet Security and Battlefield 2(ended up working with a new ForceWare Update)
Cons: Lack of support so far, but that will obviously change
Asus A8N-SLI deluxe Motherboard
Athlon 64 FX-55
2-GeForce 6800 Ultra 256MB in SLI mode
4x1024MB (4GB) Corsair XMS
Audigy 4
680W Thermaltake
2-74GB WD Raptors (RAID 0)
160GB WD HDD(Backup drive)
out of 53 user reviews
Useless waste of Money
Pros: None execpt could run 32bit apps
Cons: Alot of programs and drivers are not compatible price
out of 53 user reviews
Why bother when you could get a G5 In a word SUCKS!
Pros: Finally supports higher level processor ,after the mac
Cons: virtually everything
out of 53 user reviews
It Works! Well!
Pros: Speed, Compatibility, The Future is here!
Cons: Make sure drivers for your hardware are there; OEM only.
They have a free preview of the release version, so you can test it out to make sure it finds all the right drivers, rather than "wait", and then buy it from a reseller as an "OEM" version by bying a power cable or some such. Or you can trade in your XP pro version if bought in the last year.
out of 53 user reviews
Wait.... probably until longhorn!
Pros: Relatively good 32 bit support
Cons: only relatively....
The problems start with the 5% of applications which are not supported. and the availability of drivers for the os... This is to be expected, I guess, it's early days for x64, but it seems there's not to much enthusiasm by vendors to get going on this one, x64 has been in beta for ages, I've had a version installed for four months, and it was rock solid back then? why isn't Daemon tools x64 compatible, PGP??? my webcams, my nisis graphics tablet... beyond ATI and NVIDIA, barely anyone is upgrading, most hardware companies don't even mention x64 on their websites.
It gets worse when you look at software availibility though, x64 can run 32 bit apps at 95-99% of the speed of good old 32 bit windows, the trouble is there are almost no native x64 apps to make migrating worthwhile... having a desktop PC with 3 gig of ram, I've been waiting with baited breath for Photoshop to migrate to 64 bit to break the 2 gig limit... guess what, CS2 came out last month, without a 64 bit version... Video encoding should recieve a major boost from 64 bit, but ffdshow is 32 bit only, so is divx, I'm not aware of any 64 bit codecs out there.
There's no doubt in my mind that it's going to be the gaming market which will drag the world into 64 bits... Doom4 or UT 2005 or whatever will come out, and the x64 users will get a 10% performance boost over the x86 users... convincing all the harcore gamers to migrate, that'll force the hand of the driver companies, release drivers or loose the high end market, and every one else will follow sooner or later.... how long will that take? could be a while!
out of 53 user reviews
Give it a chance
Pros: Very stable. Awesome potential
Cons: lack of drivers (for now) OEM only?
Athlon 64 2700+, 512MB of DDR RAM, 4,200rpm hard drive
Yikes!
Give this OS some time to get out of the starting gate before slamming it. I thought that everything worked well. For the most part the critcal drivers (video, sound, etc) are already out on the net to download.
Did the review mention the new 'Windows XP 32 bit' compatibilty mode? Not sure. But this is a 64 bit OS. Of course some apps won't work right away.
Like I said. Give it a chance.
out of 53 user reviews
craw before you walk
Pros: good performance at 64bit apps
Cons: still have alot of stability problems maybe cuase 32 still more on air
out of 53 user reviews
poor or no drivers / not compatible to most 32 bit programs
Pros: simple desing
Cons: poor printer drivers/poor ethernet drivers/no media player/flip flop between 2 internet explorer version/ no update site
out of 53 user reviews
works good online
Pros: windows xp pro
Cons: It is not a good reliable set of windows for everyday use
out of 53 user reviews
What Windows XP should have been in 2001
Pros: Stability, responsive, smoother, better networking, explorer speed.
Cons: More 64 bit drivers are needed ASAP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CNET's review was to negative, it's not Microsoft's fault that the industry didn't rise up and make it a successful launch. Companies like Zonelabs don't plan a 64 bit driver til 2006 this is unacceptable.
out of 53 user reviews
Useless 'review' (?NT for Alpha)
Pros: 64 bit support (LOL) - what else
Cons: No 16 bit support - not mentioned
Why on earth do you call this a review, when more information is contained in the readme file and / or the Microsoft site.
At least Microsoft explains that there is no way to run legacy 16-bit DOS or Win apps, which do still exist and are quite acceptable for some purposes.
You do not mention any application which would profit from the 64 - bit architecture. Just saying "it's for the memory hungry" is useless - why should I care whether my browser, the silly media player or an antivirus app run in 32 or 64 bit mode - which 3d or video editing application does run in 64 bit right now or will run in a month?
I don't know it, and neither does the reviewer.
I do have a xp/64 CD at home, did intall it on a extra drive of a otherwise Suse 9.2 64bit system, tried it for a few days and reformated the drive.
Also your speed test on 32 bit apps hardly makes any sense - result is as predictable as it could be, running anything on earth in non-native mode - be it a OS, TFT display or trying to cruise through a busy city center in an otherwise perfectly usefull 16 - wheeler will definitely prove such stuff to be inferior to it's intended native - mode raison d'être.
BTW - and this has to do with another user comment, Win NT did support Alpha processors - I just can't remember right now was that a 64 - bit version or not.
Does someone still know? I'm interested.
I just hate using more that two systems in the office, main development system and the little old box I keep just for email and web.
I am aware that adding a 16-bit system could be complicated, but I would not care much about the speed of it, it just that I hate rebooting in the middle of a long build if a user needs a fast response, and like to have my stuff organised on a max of two systems connected to the same monitor / keyboard / mouse.
I was also wandering how comes that the MS office suite wasn't yet recompiled in 64 bit.
This would not make any technical sense, of course, but it would be so microsoftish - average user has no clue anyway and such a move would at least entice more users to 'upgrade' and 'harness the full potential of their PCs' or whatever sales pitch would MS use.
out of 53 user reviews
6-page review, yet no 64bit Linux mention!?
Pros: not sure (it took waaaay too long anyway)
Cons: Most binary-only software still 32bit on Windows
I gave XP64 a "3 Poor" rating since it took Microsoft way too long to get 64bit support implemented (and according to anonymous engineers they even asked Intel to delay 64bit support!!), but it seems the system isn't overly problematic after all.
Linux Pros:
- much higher 64bit compatibility, since very many Open-Source apps are 64bit-capable, as opposed to very few commercial Windows applications (in almost all cases 32bit-only)
Result: wasteful slowdown
- much longer availability of 64bit support in Linux: much more stable and tested and common
- and the usual avalanche of (not 64bit-specific) Linux Pros such as much higher security, higher managability, higher flexibility, higher stability
Linux Cons:
- weak Windows compatibility, especially with 64bit Windows apps, since Wine only supports 32bit apps
out of 53 user reviews
if you build it, they will come...
Pros: a 64-bit OS is needed before 64-bit software, backward compatibility with software
Cons: incompatibility with 32-bit drivers, old hardware likely won't have 64-bit drivers made available
5.8 is rediculous! we need to grow the user base of this OS if we hope to see 64-bit software anytime soon.
out of 53 user reviews
Questionable Cnet review...
Pros: A solid OS with new 64 bit support! woohoo!
Cons: A few apps dont run on 64 bit at this moment
out of 53 user reviews
Excellent 64bit OS from Microsoft
Pros: Stable, large memory support, high quality for first 64 bit WinOS.
Cons: no real new features compared to 32bit WinXP
out of 53 user reviews
Too Soon...Perhaps
Pros: good for when 64 bit apps are launched
Cons: There are a scant few apps out using 64 bit code