I have a "vista ready" webcam that doesn't have 64 bit drivers and is sitting on a shelf essentially useless. So it's nice to see microsoft make an effort to not screw over their customers.
Though we have to remember, what they say and what they do can be different things. Shall we reflect back to this promise in a year?
If people realize that the "Win7-compatible" sticker implies that their machine is capable of running a 64-bit operating system and then receive an x86 version, you don't think they have the potential to be confused? In an extreme analogy, it's like saying your computer can run Windows, but then it comes with Linux installed.
So you are arguing, that people will the "Win7-compatible" and be computer-savvy enough to know that it means that it has been tested on 64 bit, but somehow NOT know, it will also run 32 bit?
Snarkasm, I think you are missing the point. In vista the sticker only required that the hardware be 32 bit compatible. With Windows 7 the sticker will require BOTH 32 and 64 bit support. It's a pretty simple concept.
It is a more holistic approach and things will simply work if the labeling indicates compatibility. I'm glad microsoft is being more stringent this time around as I am on 64 bit. The lack of compatibility with vista was the main reason I didn't jump to the 64 bit version then.
Fan-effing-tastic that it now guaranties x64. It's about time and I'm really hoping this will help push some hardware and software vendors forward on the issue.
Is it the next Windows that is going to be x64 only or is that farther off?
From what I've read, yes, Windows 8 (or whatever it ends up being dubbed) is going x64 only. Then again, if Windows 7 lasts half as long as XP did that should really be no surprise.
Mt_GoatHead Cheezy KnobPflugerville (north of Austin)Icrontian
edited October 2009
I think that they should have 2 separate stickers, One for Windows 7 and another for 64 bit. That would be good because a lot of hardware and software will work fine on x86 but there is still far more that will not work at all on x64. That would keep even the biggest n00bS in line.
I think that they should have 2 separate stickers, One for Windows 7 and another for 64 bit. That would be good because a lot of hardware and software will work fine on x86 but there is still far more that will not work at all on x64. That would keep even the biggest n00bS in line.
I've gotta disagree on this. That would just end up confusing most consumers. The majority of people that use computers don't know the difference between x86 and x64, they won't know which version of Windows 7 they have installed and it will be much less confusing for them to just know "I run Windows 7, this works with Windows 7, I'm good." I think you might underestimate how easily confused most people are when it comes to anything technological.
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Mt_GoatHead Cheezy KnobPflugerville (north of Austin)Icrontian
I've gotta disagree on this. That would just end up confusing most consumers. The majority of people that use computers don't know the difference between x86 and x64, they won't know which version of Windows 7 they have installed and it will be much less confusing for them to just know "I run Windows 7, this works with Windows 7, I'm good." I think you might underestimate how easily confused most people are when it comes to anything technological.
I was actually suggesting that one sticker would be "Windows 7 Ready" and a second would be in addition to it to say something like "64 BIT compatible". Therefore a product would have one or both stickers.
Thrax
🐌Austin, TX Icrontian
Comments
Still, good making it a requirement. I just hope it's adequately clarified.
Though we have to remember, what they say and what they do can be different things. Shall we reflect back to this promise in a year?
This doesn't make sense.
If people realize that the "Win7-compatible" sticker implies that their machine is capable of running a 64-bit operating system and then receive an x86 version, you don't think they have the potential to be confused? In an extreme analogy, it's like saying your computer can run Windows, but then it comes with Linux installed.
Win7 does still have x86 versions, right?
So you are arguing, that people will the "Win7-compatible" and be computer-savvy enough to know that it means that it has been tested on 64 bit, but somehow NOT know, it will also run 32 bit?
That makes no sense what so ever.
It is a more holistic approach and things will simply work if the labeling indicates compatibility. I'm glad microsoft is being more stringent this time around as I am on 64 bit. The lack of compatibility with vista was the main reason I didn't jump to the 64 bit version then.
Is it the next Windows that is going to be x64 only or is that farther off?
I've gotta disagree on this. That would just end up confusing most consumers. The majority of people that use computers don't know the difference between x86 and x64, they won't know which version of Windows 7 they have installed and it will be much less confusing for them to just know "I run Windows 7, this works with Windows 7, I'm good." I think you might underestimate how easily confused most people are when it comes to anything technological.
I was actually suggesting that one sticker would be "Windows 7 Ready" and a second would be in addition to it to say something like "64 BIT compatible". Therefore a product would have one or both stickers.
There's no need for a second sticker (which is the point made by this news entry, is anyone actually reading it?).
I'm just being a jerk! :P