Advice Needed: Windows 7 x86 or Windows 7 x64

[andyi]

Hi

 

We are about to begin our changeover to windows 7, are people using x86 or x64? What are the main advantages or either version. All our pc's have a maximum of 4gb of RAM.

 

Any advice please.

 

Cheers

 

Andy

[vyperz]

We use a mixture of both and have no issues

[chazzy2501]

the 32bit version will accept unsigned drivers and older (xp, vista) drivers more readily. (so a must if using older stuff)...

 

Also and I can't prove this but the 32bit 'feels' faster on older PCs.

[themightymrp]

We tend to go with x64 but I would say the only thing you really need to watch out for is printer drivers. As long as you can get 64 bit drivers for your printers then you shouldn't have any probs

[SovietRussia]

We only use x64, you get the flexibility then to install more than 4GB

[LeMarchand]

Both. I try to use x64 as much as possible for future-proofing, though it has to be said that x32 is more forgiving: easier to run legacy applications, driver support often better and if you only have an x32 server you will need an x64 machine "spare" if you want to use WDS as an imaging solution for x64 machines.

[andyi]

so when you use both versions, how do you have a consistent start menu for both for users? As i though that the program locations would be different for 32bit applications on 64bit. i.e C:\program files vs C:\program files (x86)??

[FN-GM]

so when you use both versions, how do you have a consistent start menu for both for users? As i though that the program locations would be different for 32bit applications on 64bit. i.e C:\program files vs C:\program files (x86)??

 

Have 2 different start menus one for x64 and one for x86