Windows 7 - 64-bit computing.

[splicer707]

To me Windows Vista 64-bit is just not quite there, for me.

It's not just Windows or Microsoft, it's the drivers or the lack of maturity of the platform as a mainstream.

Then again, there are no 64-bit mainstream Applications ATM, but I think with Windows 7 drivers will be more robust and we will see the emergence of 64-bit applications.

[gigapixels Veteran]

I hope it will more than I think it actually will.

But with some companies already installing Vista x86-64 by default for regular consumer PCs, I think we're definitely moving forward with it and Windows 7 can only further that.

[ShaneSparky_YYZ]

Well seeing systems coming with 4GB of ram now I would hope so. Unless OEM's want people wondering where is the full 4GB.. lol.. in 64-bit it solves that issue.

[DELTETHISACCOUNT]

More retail computers are becoming 64-bit one by one. These days, you no longer need top-of-the-line hardware to play in 64-bit.

I say go for it. There's nothing to lose.

[MMaster23]

I'd say yes as most white-box systems currently on sale come with x64 software installed. OEMs rushed to 64bit computing last summer.

I hope they really push it unless hardware doesn't allow it (Atom, Core Duo etc)

[REM2000]

I would love Windows 7 to usher in the 64bit era in the windows world, as i think as others have posted many machine will come complete with 4GB RAM and high ends perhaps with 6-8GB RAM.

However i voted no in the poll due to two reasons

1)Microsoft won't push the 64bit version hard enough

2)Lazy vendors won't bother to make 64bit versions of their drivers/applications.

I really hope that Windows 7 does make great stides in getting 64bit mainstream, as ive found every 64bit windows really good. Windows XP x64 is fast and solid as a rock, Vista x64 with SP1. The x64 servers are a class in their own and work incredibly well.

Fingers crossed

[Xerxes]

It could be, with vendors now offering PCs with Vista x64 pre-installed (I believe?) there is a good chance it could become more mainstream with 7. However, only time will tell.

[Prince Charming]

I think Vista x64 is the OS to bring mainstream x64 out - it's already happening. You have to realise though - just because you have 64bit capability doesn't mean everything has to be 64bit, it's the beauty of the WOW64 system. There is for example, no benefit in having a 64bit web browser, or a 64bit version of mspaint. To that end, I think Vista certainly is doing mainstream 64bit, here and now.

[White Cuban]

I hope it will more than I think it actually will.

But with some companies already installing Vista x86-64 by default for regular consumer PCs, I think we're definitely moving forward with it and Windows 7 can only further that.

ehm... x86 is 32bit

[Olemus]

ehm... x86 is 32bit

I don't think he said otherwise.

[Prince Charming]

ehm... x86 is 32bit

And x86-64 is 64bit. x64 is a superset of the x86 instruction set.

[The_Observer]

To me Windows Vista 64-bit is just not quite there, for me.

It's not just Windows or Microsoft, it's the drivers or the lack of maturity of the platform as a mainstream.

Then again, there are no 64-bit mainstream Applications ATM, but I think with Windows 7 drivers will be more robust and we will see the emergence of 64-bit applications.

for me vista x64 kicks ass, alot more nicer that the 32bit version, never had a problem with drivers, maybe cause all my hardware is new, i could understand from old hardware side. never had problems with software, found alot of great freeware software 64bit versions.

[XerXis]

it will be the oems that make 64bit mainstream, once hp, dell start installing 64 bit windows the 32 bit era is over.

[splicer707]

I have my fingers crossed that Windows 7 will make 64-bit computing a preferred mainstream system.

What's clear to me is that the migration from 32-bit to 64-bit is a far more gradual process than 16-bit to 32-bit (Windows95...onwards)

:geek:

[Ci7]

i believe it is the market demand that will make 64 bit mainstream not any windows os or any other os

[Skulltrail-old]

64-bit is the future :yes:

So eventually, we will have 64-bit as mainstream.

Until then, just pray Windows 7 is the next 64-bit installment. But I greatly doubt it will be 32-bit only since there are still too many software that runs under the x86 architecture. Software manufacturers will need to release 64-bit software for the operating system to make a hit in the market. If 64-bit software dominates, so will a 64-bit version of Windows.

[White Cuban]

64bit is the way to go, though im scared to install hearing problems with drivers.

when i install windows Vista 64bit, with Some stuff, will it just wake up to nonworkinisim

[x-byte]

64bit is the way to go, though im scared to install hearing problems with drivers.

when i install windows Vista 64bit, with Some stuff, will it just wake up to nonworkinisim

If you have a fairly new computer there isn't any problems with 64-bit drivers. I've been using 64-bit Vista for almost two years now withouth any problems finding drivers.

Though I wish Windows 7 only comes with 64 bit, the market isn't ready yet. But I think Win 7 is the trigger for mainstream 64 bit. Vista 64 bit have sold very well the past year.

[ViperAFK]

The adoption rate of 64 bit vista has gone up a lot (there was an article about it not too long ago) I think w7 will continue this trend.

[Emil Valsson]

Been using Vista Ultimate x64 since it came out and it works perfectly. I dont think I will be going back to 32bit.

[Mike]

I think Vista x64 is the OS to bring mainstream x64 out - it's already happening. You have to realise though - just because you have 64bit capability doesn't mean everything has to be 64bit, it's the beauty of the WOW64 system. There is for example, no benefit in having a 64bit web browser, or a 64bit version of mspaint. To that end, I think Vista certainly is doing mainstream 64bit, here and now.

would be nice to see them in 64bit though, yes i know there is no benefit but it's nice to keep the system 64bit :p

would also help push 64bit plugins for browsers etc

[Kronir]

I think it has a good chance. Vista enjoyed a big surge of 64-bit sales a few months back, and I think Win7 will continue the trend. However, if it doesn't become mainstream with Win7, it definitely will with Windows 8, as its supposed to be 64-bit only. ^_^

Edit: Just noticed Viper said nearly the exact same thing as me. Whoops. lol Ah well, we seem to agree. :D

[Ambroos]

Microsoft's on a good way porting their apps to x64. I personally haven't got any problem with x64 at all, and I do run pretty much native x64 software... (Firefox, Zune, Lightroom, ...)

And with all new PC's with 4 Gigs of RAM x64 is getting more and more popular...

[Quillz]

I've been running Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition for nearly a month now and it's great. Since it has WoW64, it can easily run both 32- and 64-bit applications. (At least, it has two Program Files folders, one for x86 and another for x86-64.) I'm hoping that Windows 7 will be 64-bit only. It's not scheduled for release for almost two more years, and technology moves at such a quick rate...

BTW, how long did it take for the 16-bit to 32-bit adoption?

[ViperAFK]

Also notable I have been seeing a lot more 64 bit machines in stores, which was something unheard of not too long ago. Walk into best buy and there are plenty of 64 bit machines, it is definitely moving towards mainstream. I just bought a 64 bit gateway laptop as well. Think near the end of windows 7's life time or the beginning of the next ms os after it 64 bit will be pretty much mainstream.