“I understand that the problems discussed in this article aren’t directly the fault of Microsoft Corporation, however they have the ability to push the rest of the software/hardware community into the change.”

64-bit computing is here! It’s been around as an option for many, including myself for upwards of 5 years now, but RIGHT NOW is the pivotal moment where everything needs to be 64-bit capable. I’m currently on a system with an Intel Q6600 (EMT64) and am using 8GB of memory. I paid $200 for all 8gb of memory. In 2003 when I purchased my first 64-bit cpu, the day it came on the market, memory was $180 for 1-1GB stick of PC3200 DDR. I just got 4-2GB sticks of ultra high performance low latency memory for $215, before rebates. Memory is at a low right now, with 1GB sticks of DDR2 667 for as low as $14/ea. Who wouldn’t want at least 4GB? You can get 4GB of decent memory for $56?

For those who may not be aware of it yet, 32-bit versions of Operating Systems support up to 3.33GB of Ram – MAXIMUM. There are small tweaks you can make in the OS to get it to support more memory for certain applications, but it’s a expert only technique and is rarely used or supported. I personally have been using 64-bit linux distributions for I’d say the last 3 years, and aside from still NO FLASH SUPPORT there is rarely an application or device I can’t install. But when using windows XP x64 on the other hand, the majority of things aren’t working for me. With this new system I built I cannot use my Epson scanner, I cannot use the overclocking tools that came with my video card. I can’t get certain UI tools I have grown accustomed to working either, and the list goes on. It’s not just a couple of things – it’s the majority of them. And from what I understand, the 64-bit Vista distro’s aren’t too much more forgiving.

I understand that the problems discussed in this article aren’t directly the fault of Microsoft Corporation, however they have the ability to push the rest of the software/hardware community into the change. If Microsoft as well as PC builders pushed the 64-bit platform more aggressively everyone would be using it, and a push is usually something I wouldn’t vote for. Forcing people to use something is usually a bad thing, but there are huge benefits to using 64-bit.

It’s just a thought, but I’m growing increasingly more frustrated with xp64. I don’t yet feel like shelling out the $200+ for a 64-bit vista ultimate until my hardware/software is going to work on it, and I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. I realize that the majority of people have 32-bit OS’, but how many people have actually switched to Vista in the grand scheme of things? Start building better support for Vista 64 as a priority over the 32-bit version and start encouraging system builders to include that OS. If you’re waiting for users to be ready for the 64-bit movement then in my opinion as well as that of many users with newer more powerful systems, our response is – DO IT ALREADY!

JTV slumber party! Myself as well as several others will be sleepcasting tonight.Come watch us sleep!Come listen for odd noises or night terrors! The first sleepcasters will be available at the following address’:

John – http://justin.tv/johnux

Adrian – http://www.justin.tv/werecanadian2

Sean – http://justin.tv/pensown

Dan – http://www.justin.tv/pghsfinest07

If you are going to join us, paste your sleepcast link on the comments. Slumber party time!

Add your link at the comments here:

http://johnux.com

The Keystroke Launcher for Windows -

If you’ve never used this before, Launchy is just about the handiest tool for anyone who needs to use Windows. It’s fully skinnable, with a large variety of themes already available(some included with launchy). Launchy is a small program that runs in the background and usually only uses a very light 10mb of memory. By default pressing alt+space brings it up regardless of what applications are currently open and from there all you have to do is type what you need. For example: Normally if you need to access a program you find yourself lurking around your programs list from the start menu(which seems awfully lethargic most of the time, doesn’t it?), or you wind up returning to your desktop to access shortcuts that make for desktop clutter, or by using the quick launch on the toolbar which takes up space that could be used for open programs. With launchy installed, all you have to do is hit alt+space and then type in the first few characters of what you’re looking for until launchy determines what you are actually after.

So here we go – I’m working on this Blog and want to upload some screenshots I’m taking. I hit alt+space and this comes up:

I then start typing Dreamweaver:















Only 3 characters into it Dreamweaver has become the best match and all I now have to do is hit enter to use it.

There are a couple of alternatives to Launchy in Windows which include Keybreeze and Google Desktop. Keybreeze is cool also, and allows you to save notes in it, which some might enjoy. Google Desktop however is a bit too heavy(resource wise) for me and it feels like it’s kind of taking over your computer by comparison. Having used all three, I like the response time of Launchy and prefer it over the others and I highly recommend it to anyone trying to increase their productivity.

-Johnux