What do I lose with 64 bit?

I'm looking at getting 4gb+ 64 bit OS. I'm wondering what software wont work. I have some old video games that I may want to play. Like how recent would it need to be to work?

 

They probably won't work with 64-bit. If they say they have 64-bit support, that would be the only way.

 

I havent had any problem with games so far. I mean, like windows 95/98 games probably wont work, but anything in the last 5-6 years should be alright. All they truly need are a 16 bit or 32 bit installer. If they are only 8 bit then you are out of luck.

 

No, 64-bit Vista can run 32-bit stuff fine. But if it's 16-bit, or any part of it is 16-bit, then it won't work.

But if you have an old Windows disk and license key, I'd think you could run it inside of a VM. Don't know how well that'll work with your games though.

 

How about Avid 's Digidesign Pro Tools Le, thier website says no support for Vista 64, but mabey they are just being conservative because it has not been fully tested out??

 

I know this probably a stupid question, but if I decided to go with the 32 bit vista when I buy the computer, can I change it later without spending money on a new OS. It should be pretty clear from my previous statement that I know next to nothing about OS stuff.

 

Yes you can switch to 64bit without spending money. Just make sure you get a 64bit install disk.

 

I have Vista Business x64 and I have had pretty good luck with most my games. I use games that are about 3 to 6 years old. You will have issues with games/installers/programs that use 16 bit programs as they will not run on a x64 architecture. I ran into a 16 bit installer with a couple of old games(~10 years old) that I have, but I even found ways around them and got them to work. Basically most Win XP games should work, but older DOS based games will probably be a problem. Some real old hardware could be an issue as well, due to lack of driver support.

 

Can anyone speak to the vulnerability of Vista 64 to viruses and other malware ? (I am hoping for immunity to 32 bit viruses--but need help here.)

Similarly, would I need anti-virus software specifically designed for Vista 64 ?

 

There is no immunity to 32 bit viruses, but 64 bit does enable certain built in protection on the CPU, thus some viruses cant even run.

 

Unless you use mechanical engineering software, certain (cisco I think) VPN software, or actually still play really old games, you won't be losing anything.

 

And even then, if you have an old copy of Win95/98/2K sitting around, you can always install it in a virtual machine and play the game there, if it doesn't require native access to a 3D card (like the old Descent and other games).

 

True that. See, now you have nothing to worry about when switching over to _Vista 64bit. So do it already

 

everything works.. i play old games like starcraft rome total war command and conquer red alert 1 and 2... as well as new games like LOTRO, world in conflict, call of duty 4 etc.

windows vista 64bit is the way to go full compatibility with the new stuff and u can run older games in compatibility mode like i do.

 

Digidesigns M-box 2 and Pro Tools!?

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Hello guys,

Lately I bought a new nice laptop with a strong cpu and lots of ram. The reason was, that a wanted to use it for both gaming, programming, designing and recording music.

This other day, I finaly had enough saved up for buying the M-Box 2 with Pro Tools software. At this point, I realised, for my big dissapointment and confusement, that it wasn't supported for my Vista system?

I learned, that Digidesign doesn't support Vista Home Basic, and overall doens't support 64 bit systems!? Ok, maybe this is Digidesign's problem, but then again - if I had known this before I bought my laptop, I would surely have bought a mac instead, so at that time it gets your problem.

My question is therefore: Why is M-Box 2 and Pro Tools not supported for x64 Vista systems, and why only a couple of x32 systems? This is simply not good enough, and I really must underline my dissapointment in this case.

When will it be compatible to my version of Vista, or just any x64 Vista systems?

I hope I can get a good answer from you guys

Regards,
The dissapointed danish musician Max Boderskov. This is a quote from another person, not from myself(Fulltilt), but posted by Fulltilt, to make the point, "Buyer Beware " .

 

P.S. Pro Tools is not some obscure music recording/production software that is not commonly used, but rather it is the DEFACTO INDUSTRY STANDARD for both semi-pro home recording studios and professional recording studios.

 

Yeah, it has its incompatibilities, I suppose.

Well, I'm a hard-core DOS gamer, so I should probably look around for an old rig to set up for DOS games, so I won't have to do any emulating or virtual PCing.