Where is 64 bit going?

AmerikesAmerikes
edited February 2005 in Science & Tech
I have been doing some reading on the Windows 64 bit operating system, and it seems as though Microsoft is not taking this OS that serious, and I wonder about the future of 64 bit for the Home computer.

They are to have a final release in the near future, but it is going to be OEM, and from what I have seen, there doesn't seem to be much interest for producing software and drivers for this system.

I have owned my eMachines M6805 64 bit processor for a year now, and have really had not much more than frustration with the progress of software and drivers.

Will this system take off with the final release of this OS, or is this going to fizzle out. I have read that this system will do well as a server system, but not sure about Home use.

?????

Comments

  • nexis989nexis989
    edited February 2005
    Why wouldnt it? it comes out to be about 1.7x the power of the 32 bit XP and has more potential with better drivers. When XP x64 goes RTM the drivers will come from everywhere. The big thing about x64 is that it will raise framerates and use memory more efficiently, allowing for better, clearer gameplay and faster program acces. The bottom line is, it's worth it, but is it going to be popular? Homefully Yes.
    Nexis
  • profdlpprofdlp The Holy City Of Westlake, Ohio
    edited February 2005
    I agree with nexus - until there is an "official" 64-Bit OS there will be much foot-dragging by hardware manufacturers regarding driver releases. I'm sure that most companies want to see a finished product before they allocate significant resources to supporting it.

    I plan to go with the 64-Bit version of Windows once it's released in its final form. At that point I will certainly be among the multitudes nagging the hardware companies to get with the program. :)
  • CycloniteCyclonite Tampa, Florida Icrontian
    edited February 2005
    I agree with the previous two posters. There's no reason at this point in time for the hardware manufacturers to put a huge amount of effort into creating 64-bit drivers. A lot of the consumer population doesn't even know "64-bit" as any more than a bigger number. Heh. Once it becomes a little more mainstream, they'll pretty much be forced to make the necessary drivers to keep up. Just give it a little time, Amerikes. :)
  • chipstonechipstone
    edited February 2005
    Now that Intel enabled the EMT64 code, in not only with the Xeon's, but the Pentium processors, 64 bit computing should leap forward. Just under year ago AMD was really the only player in 64 bit pc computing.

    The new EMT64 processors are selling exponentially and quickly being incorporated into new system. AMD's 64 are also selling very well indicating that a large majority of the system buyer want 64 computing; if for no other reason than curiosity.

    I’ve already installed the Windows XP x64 & Server 2003 x64; for a test drive, and frankly Windows Xp x64 RC2 is the only operating systems I boot-up to now.

    Except for a few drives not compiled in 64 bit (Qlogic fibre channel controller) the operating system is more stable as RC2 than the 4 year old Windows XP, updated to death with service packs and still crashing at will.

    Now I am able to see the system fully utilizing the 6GB of installed memory, as opposed to 2MB under Windows XP; I am not even using a page file, but rather allowing the system to manage & utilizing the 6GB of DDR2 RAM, and response time is over 30% faster.

    When the actual retail version is out, and the vendors follow with the drives I think is will be very refreshing to fully utilize the new processors and additional memory, and hopefully with Longhorn x64; if is released before my kids finish college, will be enhanced with all new features of Microsoft flagship operating system.
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