Some 64 Bit Vista Questions

Hi, I just order a new notebook with Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 (64-bit).

I was just wondering if there are any things I should know or expect to be different from my current 32 bit windows xp.

Also, do I need to look for special versions of software that say 64 bit, or will regular 32 bit programs work fine?

And does Firefox support 64 bit? Is there a version that does?

Lastly, I use Advance Windows Care Personal by Iobit. I just went to the download page and it said 32 bit. When I go to the page on my new 64 bit notebook, will the site recognize that and give me a 64 bit download or will the 32 bit program work fine?

Thanks

 

Trying to find out as well; I was told that there are software differences but cant get a hold on what they are.

 

99.9% of 32bit programs will work under 64bit.

It will work

If they have 64bit version available, that means 32 bit will NOT work in that case.

 

Anything that has to basically become one with the OS has to be a 64bit version. So security software, drivers, and things like that must be 64bit to work.

A year or two ago, that basically meant that something wouldn't work with Vista...but since then a lot of 64bit versions of anything that had to be 64bit have come out and minimized this part of the hearsay.

 

I encourage reading up on the subject.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X86-64

Windows x64 is not this big, different thing. It doesn't require a book to understand. It's not a massive, mind-blowing change.

The beauty of the x64 architecture is that it's a 32-bit processor with 64-bit stuff bolted on. This lets it behave like either or. If Firefox, or a game, or *anything* wants a 32-bit processor, Windows x64 tells the CPU "run this as 32-bit" and it does. If an app is 64-bit, Windows x64 runs it as a 64-bit app.

The criteria for a 32-bit app not to work in Windows x64 are:

- Things that directly touch the kernel. Anti-virus software is one of these. These kinds of low-level apps need to talk the kernel's 64-bit language.

- Things that affect Explorer. Right-click context menus for example, are done with DLL's that need to be 64-bit to work with 64-bit Explorer. Some 32-bit apps, like WinRAR, come with the necessary 64-bit DLL hooks to function properly.

- Apps that make strong assumptions about the OS. Some game companies are bad at this, they code the game in one environment and don't bother to think outside the box. Luckily these are few and far between.

The vast majority of apps and games will work fine in Windows x64. You can even look for 64-bit apps to get additional benefit from the architecture. 7zip for example has a 64-bit native version.

 

ok, thanks.

So it seems that I can pretty much use my computer and not really have to worry about whether or not it's 64 bit or if it'll work it not - correct?

And how do 32 bit apps run on x64 Vista? Equal, slower, or faster than if it was a 32bit Vista?

And if a program happens to be one of the rare ones that doesn't work, how will I know? What will happen?

Lastly, I've read that Firefox works on 64 bit, but there's also a version made specifically for x64. Which one should I use?

Thanks

 

You didn't read the link.

Usually the program simply won't run. Newer 32-bit apps that require 32-bit Windows should inform the user if any attempt is made to run them on Windows x64.

If you want absolitely *NO* plugin support at all whatsoever, try the 64-bit version.

 

ok, thanks.
So it seems that I'll stick with the 32bit Firefox.

Quick Questions:
What are the most popular apps that you recommend that are specifically designed for 64 bit?

Also, how much ram does WoW64 take up when emulating a 32 bit program?

Lastly, when I'm running a 32bit program with WoW64 emulation, it will still use my processor to the best of it's ability right?

 

Updated Questions above ^

 

The emulation done in Vista x64 is not real emulation. Each of the system processes has a 32bit extension. This means that the process has a library of 64 bit and 32 bit dlls. When a 32 bit program runs on Vista x64, the 32 bit extensions are automatically used. This allows the 64 bit system processes to talk to the 32 bit program. However, if the 32 bit process requests something from the OS, the 32 bit execution is handled by the appropriate system process which handles the translation of 32 bit to 64 bit using its dll library and then the request is handled by the OS. In this sense, running a 32 bit program is slightly slower when running on Vista x64. However, you will not notice this because the CPU will be able to handle this with ease due to the extension of its on-die registers.

 

ok, thanks.

So does WoW64 take up any (extra) RAM when emulating a 32 bit program?

And when I'm running a 32bit program with WoW64 emulation, it will still use my processor to the best of it's ability right?

What are the most popular apps that you recommend that are specifically designed for 64 bit?

 

anyone?


BTW, I just wrote to Iobit, the makers of Advanced WindowsCare and they said that it is only for 32 bit Windows.
So should I not put this on my new laptop? And if not, then what would you recommend as the best alternative?

Thanks

 

There's a 64bit version of WoW?

http://start64.com/

 

I personally only use CCleaner occasionally. I don't feel a real need to use that sort of software - YMMV.

I use Vista x64 on my desktop and it runs great. The only issue I've run into is the copy protection for one of my favorite games (GTR2) has problems with Vx64. I discovered via Google that a no CD crack allows the game to work under Vx64.