Stick with the 32-bit system. It's a lot easier to maintain. Although many 64-bit drivers are available, it might be difficult to get them for older printers, etc.
Do not believe that there is a down side to getting the 32 bit, other than having to upgrade later to 64 bit (for free). Link to an article i just read lately about it here:
As it turns out, 32-bit keys are compatible with the 64-bit version of the operating system as well. As long as the product level is consistent, bit versions do not matter. For example, if you have 32-bit Windows 7 Home Premium, that key will work with the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium. Obviously, it goes without saying that a Home Premium key will not mix with Home Basic or Ultimate and, of course, a Vista key will not work with Windows 7 and vice versa. One exception to the rule is that Windows XP keys are not interchangeable between bit versions.
The process to upgrade to a 64-bit OS does require a fair bit of work. You have to research your hardware for drivers and reformat your hard drive. This may sound daunting, but we will walk you through the most common method step by step.
But read the article for yourself and see what you think. Good luck and tell you Father-in-law to keep surfing, and have fun.
Thank you both, especially for the link to the article.
I think the only drivers my father-in-law needs are for two printers, a Dell personal laser and a Kodak All-One. Both seem to have available 64-bit compatible drivers, so he should be okay that way.
One more question: Am I correct in assuming that any document files created in MS Works on Windows XP 32-bit system will be easily accessible when copied to a Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit system that has MS Works installed?
The same for photographs downloaded to his current computer from a digital camera and copied to a new 64 bit computer?
If a 32-bit desktop system is available at Dell at the low price my father-in-law is willing to spend, I probably will go with it, just because it's known. But a quick check of Dell's sales pages suggests 64-bit is all there is.
If he can get 64bit drivers for the printers he uses, then get Windows 7 64bit.
Am I correct in assuming that any document files created in MS Works on Windows XP 32-bit system will be easily accessible when copied to a Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit system that has MS Works installed?
The same for photographs downloaded to his current computer from a digital camera and copied to a new 64 bit computer?
Yup. The version of OS (32bit/64bit) doesn't affect viewing Word docs +/or photos :emotion-5:
kirkd
4 Operator
•
5.2K Posts
0
January 25th, 2010 18:00
Stick with the 32-bit system. It's a lot easier to maintain. Although many 64-bit drivers are available, it might be difficult to get them for older printers, etc.
Darmandarin
9 Posts
0
January 25th, 2010 18:00
Do not believe that there is a down side to getting the 32 bit, other than having to upgrade later to 64 bit (for free). Link to an article i just read lately about it here:
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/64bit-win7-upgrade,review-1496.html
Gist is this: Small copy paste from page 2:
As it turns out, 32-bit keys are compatible with the 64-bit version of the operating system as well. As long as the product level is consistent, bit versions do not matter. For example, if you have 32-bit Windows 7 Home Premium, that key will work with the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium. Obviously, it goes without saying that a Home Premium key will not mix with Home Basic or Ultimate and, of course, a Vista key will not work with Windows 7 and vice versa. One exception to the rule is that Windows XP keys are not interchangeable between bit versions.
The process to upgrade to a 64-bit OS does require a fair bit of work. You have to research your hardware for drivers and reformat your hard drive. This may sound daunting, but we will walk you through the most common method step by step.
But read the article for yourself and see what you think. Good luck and tell you Father-in-law to keep surfing, and have fun.
zoofence
1 Rookie
•
65 Posts
0
January 26th, 2010 05:00
Thank you both, especially for the link to the article.
I think the only drivers my father-in-law needs are for two printers, a Dell personal laser and a Kodak All-One. Both seem to have available 64-bit compatible drivers, so he should be okay that way.
One more question: Am I correct in assuming that any document files created in MS Works on Windows XP 32-bit system will be easily accessible when copied to a Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit system that has MS Works installed?
The same for photographs downloaded to his current computer from a digital camera and copied to a new 64 bit computer?
If a 32-bit desktop system is available at Dell at the low price my father-in-law is willing to spend, I probably will go with it, just because it's known. But a quick check of Dell's sales pages suggests 64-bit is all there is.
I appreciate the help!
TheRealFireblad
3 Apprentice
•
4.6K Posts
0
January 26th, 2010 09:00
If he can get 64bit drivers for the printers he uses, then get Windows 7 64bit.
Yup. The version of OS (32bit/64bit) doesn't affect viewing Word docs +/or photos :emotion-5: