I'm considering to install this client but on their official page I read: "Please note that while the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 can be used to run Thunderbird, only 32-bit builds of Thunderbird are supported at this time.". Not quite sure if it's OK to install and run it on my 64-bit build.
Anybody using it on x64? How is the performance and what would you recommend as a good alternative?
I am using Thunderbird on x64 Windows 7 with no issues.
The message simply states that at the present time there is no 64 bit version of Thunderbird. 64 bit Windows runs most 32 bit programs without issue. There is no 64 bit version of Thunderbird because the 32 bit version is fully functional and a 64 bit version would have little to offer, and would require considerable effort to develop.
Be aware that 64 bit applications generally require more disk space, consume more memory while running, and usually have no performance benefits. In some cases a 64 bit application may be slower. There are many extensions for Thunderbird that would not be compatible with a 64 bit version. Many would never be updated.
To be sure there are some types of applications where a 64 bit version will provide major benefits. But they are the minority.
64 bit operating systems are in my view superior to 32 bit versions. I am not disputing that in any way.
Edit: There is a 64 bit version of Thunderbird for Linux and possibly for the Mac as well. The situation there is somewhat different. There seems to be do indication of when a 64 bit version will be available for Windows. I would likely stay with the 32 bit version.
[QUOTE=LMiller7;3355373]I am using Thunderbird on x64 Windows 7 with no issues.
Be aware that 64 bit applications generally require more disk space, consume more memory while running, and usually have no performance benefits. In some cases a 64 bit application may be slower.
To be sure there are some types of applications where a 64 bit version will provide major benefits. But they are the minority.
Hmm.. I was under the impression that on a x64 system 64bit applications would run smoother (compatibility thing).
Anyway, thank you all for the feedback. I'm installing Thunderbird.
Theoretically, a 64-bit app, if it is well-designed, would be better than a 32-bit app, in a 64-bit OS.
FWIW, I'm running 32-bit Linux Mint on my 64-bit Dell computer, and it is lightning fast.
Quote