“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!