XP 64 bid edition

[MTIH1992]

What are the pro's and cons of Windows XP 64 bit edition. And What Can it do that normal Windows XP cant? What Are its benifits? Its confuzeing me. Please help,

Matt

[OBonio]

It's specifically for 64 bit CPUs which most people haven't got at the moment. It's just double the size of the registers in the CPU which means the processor can do operations on twice as much data. I doubt you'll see much performance increase but maybe you will....

[MTIH1992]

Can it not run on 32 Bit Prosessors?

[OBonio]

It probably can be, but there wouldn't be any point.

[fo3nix]

I dont think it can, no. but as obonio says, there's no point. its _for_ 64-bit processors.

notice also that while the OS may run fine, a lot of device drivers may not run, and so some of your peripherals or other components may not work.

the same goes for software. the overwhelming majority of it hasnt been compiled for 64-bit processors.

don't upgrade yet.

[OBonio]

Have a look here for more info :

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/64bit/russel_ex ploringx64.mspx

It's pretty much bleeding edge technology. Wouldn't recommend it for home use.

[Mobius1]

It will be important in the future however. AMD currently have their Athlon64 range available, which will be able to utilise 64-bit OS in future whilst being fully compatible with today's 32-bit programs.

The 64-bit future allows us to break through the current 4gigabyte RAM limit that we have with 32-bit systems as one advantage, but obviously the larger amount of data that can be worked on that Obonio mentioned is the main advantage (at least when programs are designed and/or optimised for this).

[dodgyshirt]

I,ve tried the trial version on one of my PCs fitted with an Athlon 64bit CPU.

The main drawback is the need for compatible software to run with it which will mean shelling out for the whole lot again when it does become available.