64bit Nightmare? Something YOU need to know before buying a computer…
Here’s what you need to know now BEFORE you buy a computer:
Do you have ANY software or hardware that needs a 32-bit OS?
Is the computer I want to buy 32-bit or 64-bit?
The first one is easy with NEW hardware or software. It will be in the requirements. Older stuff may require you to do a bit of digging or calling.
The computer version is the EASY part. But here’s the thing: not even all the store clerks know where to look. That’s why you have me: cause I rock like that.
It’s simple: Click on the start button in the lower left. If they have the computer locked asked THEM to do it. You are about to spend money on a computer after all. Yeah they don’t want you messing up their computer. As a former computer lab associate I understand that. But they can do this or let you while they watch. After clicking on the start button (which is now just a Window symbol) you will notice the word “Computer” on the right-hand column. This is the equivalent of “My Computer” in XP for those of you with older computers. Now right click on that. No really. Click on properties. Now look for system type. You will see either “32-bit Operating System” or “64-bit Operating System.” That’s it. That’s what you need to look for.
Now here’s why:
A couple of years ago unless you were a gamer or had specific needs you just went to the store and bought your computer and that was it. The most you had to worry about was that new bleeding edge OS called Vista right? Not really the case any more. Yay, Vista finally has service pack and it’s been out for a while so everything should work with it. Simple, right? WRONG!
We have finally reached the point where computers were at maximum and needed to go beyond. Software developers were not on the ball at all this time. They just assumed that anyone that wanted a system over 3GB of memory was a “gamer” and they didn’t need to worry about all that. Their lack of forsight hurts us all.
My brother went to Best Buy to buy a new computer. He has to use voice activiation. He can’t use his hands to type at all and this new Microsoft voice activation software: not that great. He had me install the NEW Dragon Naturally Speaking on his computer only to find out it won’t install onto a 64-bit system. Huh? He called them and they aren’t planning to have a working 64-bit version until MAYBE 2010. I’ve noticed more and more pieces of software and hardware that state under the requirements Vista 32-bit edition.
How many computers did Bestbuy have that were 32-bit in the ENTIRE store: 2. They were the crappiest computers they had. Circuit City was almost the same except that we managed to find a 3GB (we’re talking memory here – that’s where the 32 and 64 bit systems differ).
In 2 years we probably won’t have to worry about any of this. Are you worried about those old scanners and printers that won’t work under XP anymore? Really, neither am I.
But for now in 2008 and 2009 this is a MAJOR issue. We usually don’t have to deal with crap like this unless a new version of Windows comes out. This time it’s not software but hardware that’s screwing us up.
Yay.
Justin X
http://justinx.net