Getting into Windows Vista x64

I went against my better judgment and formatted my desktop’s main hard drive in order to reinstall Windows Vista Home Premium. This time, I decided to install the x64 (64-bit) version of Windows. The advantages of an x64 operating system are numerous. Applications designed with x64 in mind will run ridiculously faster, such as multimedia applications, server services, and even the latest games. The operating system itself will also perform a fair bet better. However, x64, for the average user, does have it’s extreme downsides.

For example, have you ever had a window pop up when installing a new device telling you that a “driver isn’t signed by Microsoft” and then asking you if you wish to proceed? The good news is that box doesn’t exist in the x64 version of Windows. The bad news is you can’t install any drivers whatsoever that haven’t been signed by Microsoft. That eliminates a majority of devices and drivers out there.

I know what you’re probably thinking, though: I’m insane. And in most cases you’d probably be right. However, I did a fair bit of research and came to the conclusion that Windows x64 is the right direction for me. Here were my reasons:

1) Compared to x86 (32-bit), x64 (64-bit) Windows has horrible driver support. More often than not, you won’t find the driver you need for peripheral devices such as printers. However, in my case, I extensively researched my hardware and discovered that all of it has up-to-date x64 drivers, all signed by Microsoft. Any peripherals that I purchase are typically high name-brand devices (such as Creative, Logitech, HP, etc) which I know will have signed drivers from the get-go. I never go generic, and to be honest, neither should you when it comes to computer technology. I’ll only get you in trouble in the long run.

2) The programs that I run on a day-to-day basis are either fully, or partly “with a few minor quirks” compatible with an x64 operating system. Once again, I try to stay away from specialized software or generic brands. Also, I’m a major geek, so if I ever need to run an application that doesn’t support x64, I’ll just run it in my Windows XP x86 virtual environment.

3) As I just indicated, I’m a geek. That means I’ll intentionally put myself through trouble just to have the best stuff. An x64 operating system is a bit different, mostly in highly-technical ways. The average user isn’t going to see a UI difference or anything. But the nitty-gritty backend has some pretty major improvements, and as a geek, I want to take advantage of those, play around with them, possibly screw up, and find out how to fix my mistakes.

4) And to put it simply: I want higher framerates in Crysis. But in all seriousness, I wan raw performance in every aspect of my machine, which includes the operating system. Windows Vista x64 is the right choice for me.

Tags: windows vista, 64-bit