Number 266 - July 2005
64-bit Operating Systems
by Randy Esdon, Big Blue and Cousins: April 2005
The Greater Victoria PC Users' Association
   Those of you looking to purchase a new computer might want to purchase an AMD 64-bit computer, to ensure that your new computer will be able to accept the new 64-bit operating systems when they are released. You wouldn't want to be buying another new computer within a couple of years just to get access to the new features of a 64-bit operating system. The existing AMD 64-bit computers run all the existing 32-bit software and operating systems, plus they will be able to use the 64-bit operating systems when they are released. LinuxHardware.org recently published a showdown of Intel vs AMD 64bit CPUs at www.linuxhardware.org scroll down to, or search for, 64-bit Desktop Battle.

   Linux OS was used in these tests because Windows x64 is still in beta. Overall, you will find that the AMD cpu out-classes the Intel cpu in most tests. If you're not one of those techie types, try reading just the last part of the article (heat, power consumption, cost, availability, and, most of all, the conclusion).

   I hope this will give you some ideas when buying a new computer.

   64-bit software for Windows is coming, but most is still in beta format. Examples include:
  • Lightwave 3D

  • Satori Paint FX
  • Windows XP Pro (Beta)

  • Windows Server 2003 (Beta)

  • Norton Anti-Virus

  • Microsoft Streets (Beta)

  • MS Digital Image Suite (Beta)

  • MS Plus Digital Media Edition (Beta)

  • SiSofts Sandra Benchmarking Software

  • VMware

  • The Panorama Factory


    •    64-bit games include:
  • Unreal Tournament 2003

  • Far Cry

  • Age of Empires (Beta)

  • Age of Mythology (Beta)

  • Fright Stimulator (Beta)

  • Shadow Ops: Red Mercury

  • Crafty (Freeware Chess game)


    •    Copyright (c) 1990-2005 by Big Blue and Cousins: The Greater Victoria Personal Computer Users' Association. 202 - 3371 Oak Street Victoria BC V8X 1R2 Canada www.bbc.org
      Number 266 - July 2005