About 2 years ago we had a huge leap in computer technology, not only with the multi core CPU’s but mostly with the 64-bit addressing ability of our systems. That means almost twice the processing speed, but if you have a race car you need a race car driver to control it. And the race car driver is the 64-bit operating system.I hear horror stories and answers to questions from people that have no clue about 64-bit addressing and this is what keeping us from unleashing the power to our new computers
WoW64 (Windows-on-Windows 64-bit) is a subsystem of the Windows operating system that is capable of running 32-bit applications and is included on all 64-bit versions of Windows . Its primary purpose is to create a 32-bit environment that provides the interfaces required to allow 32-bit Windows applications to run unmodified in the 64-bit system. Technically, WOW64 is implemented using three dynamic-link libraries (DLLs): Wow64.dll, which is the core interface to the Windows NT kernel that translates between 32-bit and 64-bit calls, Wow64win.dll, which provides the appropriate entry points for 32-bit applications; and Wow64cpu.dll, which takes care of switching the processor from 32-bit to 64-bit mode.
So, in plain English…….if a program works in your Vista 32-bit,or XP, it WILL WORK on Vista 64-bit. The only exception is the antivirus. Since it has to monitor the core windows files it has to be a true 64-bit program. Today there are a few 64-bit antivirus programs (Avast,AVG,Avira all free, CA,Mcaffe,NOD32,Trend Micro and ZoneAlarm has one in beta) The only problem you may experience is the hardware drivers. If you have an old complicate device, manipulated by software, it may not work. I was able to install an older sound card and a TV tuner card and also an 8 years old printer. My only casualty was a $15, 6years old webcam. Users with 64-bit capable CPU’s and fairly new peripherals will have no problems. (There is always the dual boot option to make the transition easy)
Software engineers don’t spend their time to compose drivers or software if no one is using them. So why are we stuck in the 3rd gear?
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