32bit vs 64bit

[sleeepr]

Looking at purchasing a new notebook, have my eye on a sweet price for an AMD dual core unit with Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit installed.

Are there any concerns with this OS and running my old software? Are compatibility issues a concern?

Thanks for any insights. TA

[Nuclear Krusader]

Depends on what you mean by old software. Many programs can be made run using W7's compatibility options. But depending on your programs you'd be better served by purchasing a computer that comes with Windows 7 Professional, which includes Windows XP mode.

[strollin]

I've been running Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit since the RC1 version and have found very few programs that won't run in Win 7. There are some but they are not that prevalent. Most problems seem to be with older hardware such as printers that the mfr doesn't provide an updated driver for.

[David M]

Bottom line, it will be a rare occasion if and when you find incompatibility these days. If you ever do find incompatibility with a hardware driver or an application you can always upgrade to Windows 7 Professional which has Windows XP Mode.

Windows 7 Features: Windows XP Mode

I wouldn't worry about it and go ahead and buy Windows 7 Premium 64 bit. Additionally, you will want 64 bit if you ever think you want your computer to be able to utilize more than 4 gigs of RAM. Also, 32 bit is not upgradable to 64 bit. You must install 64 bit OS from scratch to do this.

Also, Win7 64 bit will run 32 bit applications as seen in Win7's 64 bit (x86) folder.

[Nuclear Krusader]

Underbottom line: the only things that have to be 64-bit are drivers and antivirus/security programs.

Also note that there are less viruses for 64-bit versions of Windows (at least for now).