Is it me or is it normal?

Hi all, I'm back with some questions regarding my new Windows 7, 64-bit.
I have noticed that certain things is different from my previous 32-bit settings so I was thinking whether will that be alright?

1.) Java no longer will auto-update?
I have installed the 64-bit version but it seems like I messed up, I couldn't load any Java applets and I just re-install the 32-bit version. It worked for my applets so would like to check if that is fine running Java 32-bit. I still have my 64-bit installed without removing and override the 32-bit over using installer by Java.

2.) When I install Microsoft Office 2007, I usually have Office Groove added to my context menu but now, I don't get it.
I thought that it'll get it installed. I mean, previously at my 32-bit Windows, I don;t use it so, I manually remove it all the time but this time, it didn't even came out. Is this normal?

Sorry for the newbie questions as this is my first try on 64-bit installation so, just checking.

Sorry and thanks!

Indeed, on your 64-bit system you have two types of browsers - 32-bit and 64-bit. They will use the corresponding Java, i.e. IE8 x64 will use the 64-bit Java and the 32-bit IE8 will use the 32-bit Java. There is no conflict between the two whatsoever. However, at least in my system, there is only one control panel applet - and it's for 32-bit Java. Thus the 64-bit one has to be updated manually. For me that's not a problem at all - I always disable all automatic updating services anyway.

Now, as far as the office is concerned, the 2007 version is 32-bit. It seems to be working exactly the same as in the 32-bit OS. I am not sure about Groove, since I've never used it. The things I use - Word, Excel, and PowerPoint - they work just fine. I do plan however to upgrade to Office 2010. This one comes in a 64-bit flavor and in general I prefer to run 64-bit software on my 64-bit OS (and I don't care whether this brings any performance gain or not).

Yeah, I just noticed that. So sorry for asking such a stupid questions. That cleared my doubts. Much thanks again, guys!

unifex said:

This one comes in a 64-bit flavor and in general I prefer to run 64-bit software on my 64-bit OS (and I don't care whether this brings any performance gain or not).

You can't just dive blindly into software that's x64 native, even if you aren't expecting any performance gains. Office 2010 x64 serves no purpose right now, because none of the plug-ins and add-ins support it yet. Microsoft even explains this on the TechNet download page for it. If you aren't developing for the Office platform, stick to the x86 version and save yourself time and grief.

Actually, if you use 32-bit and 64-bit browsers interchangeably, you will need to install both 32-bit and 64-bit Java in order to have the Java plug-in for both browsers.

Here's the Java downloads page: http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

After installing Java, restart your browser and verify Java has been installed correctly.

JAVA FOR OTHER OPERATING SYSTEMS: See all Java downloads here.

DeaconFrost said:

Office 2010 x64 serves no purpose right now, because none of the plug-ins and add-ins support it yet. Microsoft even explains this on the TechNet download page for it. If you aren't developing for the Office platform, stick to the x86 version and save yourself time and grief.

What add-ins and plug-ins are we talking about here? As a matter of fact, the only plug-in (or whatever you call it) for the Office that I have ever installed is the TexPoint and I have confirmed with its author that it will work with Office 2010 x64. Are there any necessary add-ins that are installed quietly without me knowing about it?

unifex said:

What add-ins and plug-ins are we talking about here? As a matter of fact, the only plug-in (or whatever you call it) for the Office that I have ever installed is the TexPoint and I have confirmed with its author that it will work with Office 2010 x64. Are there any necessary add-ins that are installed quietly without me knowing about it?

Here's quick link describing the original warning: Microsoft warns against using 64-bit Office 2010 - Neowin Forums

Adobe Acrobat is one plug-in that isn't compatible as of yet. I tend to agree with one of the comments in the link. Using x64 for the sake that they are just x64 doesn't make sense. So, use at your own risk, but be aware of those risks. Just because something is x64...doesn't automatically mean it is the best option. Do some research on the app in question before diving in. That's all I'm saying. Some things provide no benefit...like an x64 browser. No point...so no reason to use right now.

Well, I am using an x64 browser every day for a long time already. As a matter of fact, using it right now. So, I guess, this is a matter of taste and of one's personal convenience.