Posted on 04/25/2005 7:47:12 AM PDT by 1FASTGLOCK45
Microsoft (MSFT) on Monday plans to make its biggest push yet to popularize 64-bit computing on everyday computers.
At a conference here, Chairman Bill Gates is expected to announce the general availability of the first desktop version of Windows to support 64-bit processing chips, which can access bigger chunks of memory and move data around faster than 32-bit chips in wide use on PCs since the 1980s.
About 2,800 hardware developers are expected here at the Microsoft-sponsored Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHec) this week to hear where Microsoft is driving the tech industry, and learn what they can do. The conference theme: Jump on the 64-bit bandwagon. To inspire developers on other fronts, Gates is to unveil:
• A postcard-sized PC - a concept device with a 6-inch screen that could theoretically operate as a full-blown computer.
• A prototype laptop with a small screen on the lid, so data can be accessed with the lid closed.
Microsoft will focus on rallying suppliers to offer 64-bit desktop PCs and software applications for the workplace and home.
Rising consumer demand for 64-bit PCs could stir sales growth for Microsoft's flagship Windows and Office products, while also boosting tech supply fortunes.
Still, software makers so far haven't been willing to take on the costly task of converting popular applications to 64-bit until there is demand. While 64-bit chips have been available from AMD and Intel, computer makers haven't moved to develop many 64-bit PCs because there was no desktop operating system to run them.
Gates is to announce that the first 64-bit Windows desktop operating system, Windows XP Pro, is available. It is expected to be on home versions by 2007, when the next version of Windows, code-named Longhorn, is ready.
Microsoft will talk of engineers and animators doing richer work in real time on 64-bit workstations. It foresees consumers playing fancier video games and editing video, photo and music files like pros.
Neil Charney, Windows director of product management, predicts that 64-bit desktop PCs shouldn't cost more than a 32-bit machine.
Microsoft's push alone won't conjure a market. "I'm not sure doing e-mail and browsing the Web is going to be that much better an experience on a 64-bit systems," says Michael Cherry, tech systems analyst at research firm Directions on Microsoft. The key, he says, may be how Dell and H-P come through with aggressively priced 64-bit Windows desktop PCs.
What?
So I still use the 32 bit stuff.
Here is the deal :
"first desktop version of Windows to support 64-bit processing chips, which can access bigger chunks of memory and move data around faster than 32-bit chips in wide use on PCs since the 1980s."
--in English: A 64 bit AMD chip running version of 32bit windows is not fully taking advantage of the 64Bits. This is why microsoft is rewriting Windows to take advantage of the new AMD 64 bit chips.
Some people were under the impression that just because you have a 64bit processor running regular old windows, you were getting full performance.
(steely)
What a load of crap.
Izzy Dunne wrote:
the first 64-bit Windows desktop operating system, Windows XP Pro
What a load of crap.
Yea must be a screw up by the editorial. Our trusty news.
What does "full performance" mean? 64-bit Office is not inherently faster than 32-bit Office, all else being equal.
Apple's 10.3 had some 64-bitness and Tiger has more of the system running in 64bit mode.
Sun's Solaris OS has been 64bit for many years and runs in 64bit mode on Opterons.
Linux has been 64bit for many years and runs in 64bit mode on Opterons as well.
On second thought, they might phaze out the Current Win XP Pro (32bit)and the new 64bit will retain the current name (win Xp Pro).
general_re wrote:
What does "full performance" mean? 64-bit Office is not inherently faster than 32-bit Office, all else being equal.
--Here is what they say: "64-bit processing chips, which can access bigger chunks of memory and move data around faster than 32-bit chips"
Not really - they had 64-bit versions of XP back in 2001.
It means Word documents can get even bigger. ;)
"Hi, support? Yeah, I'm having trouble with my OS."
"What Operating System are you running?"
"Win XP Pro."
"Would that be Win XP Pro? or Win XP Pro?"
Hmmm. Thanks for your "help".
Maybe you can also explain why they said:
the first 64-bit Windows desktop operating system, Windows XP Pro, is available.
This is going to be news to the folks, like a friend of mine sitting in the next room, who is running an AMD 64-bit laptop with 64-bit LINUX installed and running recompiled LINUX open source applications in 64 bit mode...
Microsoft is getting further and further behind the open source community.
ClearCase_guy wrote:
On second thought, they might phaze out the Current Win XP Pro (32bit)and the new 64bit will retain the current name (win Xp Pro).
"Hi, support? Yeah, I'm having trouble with my OS."
"What Operating System are you running?"
"Win XP Pro."
"Would that be Win XP Pro? or Win XP Pro?"
--> Well, Support, the "old" WInXPPro used to rest on your tonsils, the "new" xp Pro sits in the back of your throat!
Games. Games drive much of the PC industry.
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