Windows 7 32 or 64 bit ?

[KaneStatton]

I was just wondering which one I should download ?
I currently have 3MB of RAM so which one would use this most effectively ?
Also should I backup my important files if I use it on my main computer or is it relatively safe and stable ?

Thanks
kane

 

[Pho]

With 3MB of memory I suggest Windows 3.1 .

There's rarely a reason to go for 32 over 64.

 

[theheyes]

64 if your CPU supports it. There have been no reports of major data loss as far as I know so a normal backup routine should suffice.

 

[KaneStatton]

Nice one,
I have a q6600 so should be fine.

 

[Revolution6000]

If you have a 64bit processor there is no reason at all to go with the 32bit version, both Vista/7 64 have been rock solid for me.

 

[Spider]

If you do a lot of media playback (especially HTPC's) then 32-bit is still the better supported and mature platform. For a normal desktop OS though I'd consider switching to 64-bit tbh

 

[philjohn]

If you have a 64bit processor there is no reason at all to go with the 32bit version, both Vista/7 64 have been rock solid for me.

There are some reasons to not go 64bit, such as older 32bit software that use a 16bit version of InstallShield - despite being compatible with 64bit windows (as the app is 32bit) they cannot be installed.

The biggest reason however is driver support for peripherals, there are still printers, scanners and other miscellania on sale that do not, and will never have, 64bit drivers (I'm looking at you Canon).

 

[DreXeL]

there are still printers, scanners and other miscellania on sale that do not, and will never have, 64bit drivers (I'm looking at you Canon).

Vuescan bought my old Canon N650u scanner back to life. It works flawlessly in Vista x64.

 

[Frame352]

Canon have 64bit drivers

 

[DreXeL]

Canon have 64bit drivers

Not for older scanners etc.

 

[Frame352]

Ah, missed the "older" reference.

 

[LoadsaMoney]

With only 3mb of Ram, i doubt you'ld get any OS on there.

 

[No-One]

The only piece of hardware i have that isn't 64 bit compatible is my pci wifi card. I will replace it before 7 is released. Any recommendations?

 

[theheyes]

The only piece of hardware i have that isn't 64 bit compatible is my pci wifi card. I will replace it before 7 is released. Any recommendations?

If you're not bothered about 802.11n, I recommend the Netgear WG311T for two reasons - auto-installs in Vista if I recall correctly, and works with Linux. Not had a problem with it. Had it a couple of years though but I'm sure they still sell it.

 

[ShakenNstirred]

go for 64bit
i have since Feb 07 and have had very few problems with drivers and programs
certainly not enough to regret moving to 64bit

 

[No-One]

If you're not bothered about 802.11n, I recommend the Netgear WG311T for two reasons - auto-installs in Vista if I recall correctly, and works with Linux. Not had a problem with it. Had it a couple of years though but I'm sure they still sell it.

I only see the WG311 in the store, not the 311T. Any idea what the difference is?

 

[AMG]

I would only get 64bit if all your stuff has drivers for it like for instants your wireless cards