Home Network

[FWSIV]

I need to build a new computer (that thread coming soon) and I'm wondering if you can setup a home network with windows 7 and XP. I'm thinking about installing Windows 7 on the new computer and the other 3 computers in the house run XP.

another question- can be another thread if needed (I haven't done a search yet either)

Which windows 7? 32 or 64? I was thinking about installing home premium.

TIA-

[strollin]

Win 7 and Win XP machines can exist on the same network. Win 7 machines use a new type network called a Homegroup which XP machines can't join. However, you can add both OSs to the older Workgroup network.

If you plan to have 4G or more RAM in your new machine then you definitely will want 64-bit. Other than the ability to access more RAM there isn't really any compelling reason to go with 64-bit. On the other hand, 64-bit is the future so it won't hurt to go 64-bit either.

[FWSIV]

Well that's good news about networking-

So, I just need to get atleast 4gb ram to run 64. Should I get more than 4gb? Or will it run fine with 4gb? I was planning on 4gb, but can always get more if needed.

[David M]

No, Win7 64 will run on less than 4 gigs. Win7 32 cannot utilize more than 4 gigs.

Four gigs is the minimum you want for running any version of Win7 in my opinion. You really want more than 2 gigs since with RAM, the price difference between two or four gigs is cheap compared to the overall system cost. With 2 gigs you will eventually run into lag when the applications run out of available RAM and then need to access the drive.

There is no reason not to get Win 64. The driver and application issues that existed with 64 bit OS's a couple years ago are no longer an issue. Besides, CPU's are now built to process 64 bit applications. Why not allow for that when the opportunity is there?

Four gigs is all most people will ever need. The exception is if you plan on having a lot of applications open or you use applications that are RAM intensive such as photo or other media editing applications or conversion applications. Microsoft Flight Simulator can also be RAM intensive.

[strollin]

You misunderstood what I said. Hopefully, Dave explained it. 32-bit OSs cannot access more than 4G of RAM (they actually can only use about 3.4G or so). If you want 4G or more of RAM then you will need 64-bit.

Another reason why you might as well install 64-bit is because there is no price difference, both versions come in the same box so there really isn't a downside to installing 64-bit.

[FWSIV]

I think I got it- Since I'm building a new system, and was going to install 4 gb RAM and if there us no advantage to install more than 4gb for 64 bit, then I don't need to. If I'm just using the computer for internet, and normal business applications, then is there any advantage to install more than 4gb?

[strollin]

It depends on what apps you use and how many you run simultaneously as to whether you need more than 4G or not. I wouldn't say there is no advantage to more RAM, it's just that, for the majority of users, 4G of RAM is as much as they will ever need.

[David M]

Think of RAM this way....having too much will not make your computer run faster. Having too little will make it run slower.