32 Bit or 64 Bit???

[asallwey]

I'm a dinosaur who likes/uses XP and Office 2000 (since day 1 maybe), and have them on 3 computers and a laptop. I'm looking for a newer laptop (used - not new of course) that has an HDMI port. Most of the units I've looked at are 64 bit machines, and many come with Windows 8 or 10. Windows 7 would be the best match for me. So I would be looking at a clean install, not a major problem, I think. (Found an instruction on this forum that was very clear.)

1) Should I install the 32 bit or 64 bit version? The machines I'm looking at tend to have dual-core processor.

2) Also, will a 32 bit application (from yesteryear for all you under 55) run on a 64 bit machine? Sorry if this sounds naive. I've seen reports of Office 2000 working, and other reports of it not working on a 64 bit system. I do not use Outlook which seems to be the major problem application.

3) Excel and Word are reported to work fine, and are my primary applications. Is this true?

I want the HDMI port so I can watch YouTube videos on our TV. I'm into machining, morotcycles, cars, etc. I would not be using the laptop for streaming movies.

Thanks for any guidance, Alex

 

[unrealRage]

Hello.

1) Most of old processors are 32 bit (64 bit was generally used from 2000s),it doesn't matter is it single,dual,etc. core as long as it's 64 bit.As long as that processor isn't old as I am,you should be fine.
Generally you would use 64 bit version of Windows as long as you have more than 4 GBytes of RAM.

2) Office 2000 is not "officially" supported by Windows 7 x64,you may be able to get it work but it may not be functional as you want it to be.

3) I honestly don't know as I don't use such software.
If I were you I would try to install and use that software on 64 bit version of Windows 7.I think you should be fine.

But,I'm sure you can use Windows XP mode on your Windows 7.Basically it's Windows XP virtual machine inside Windows 7.You'll also have to download it and configure it.Theoretically Office and other software should work.

I don't blame you,in my opinion Windows XP is the best operating system ever.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi and welcome to SevenForums,
You'd be better off with a quad core especially if you use anything as virtual machine/ hyper-v/ VMWare....
Dual core would be a stretch

You'd also have to post what ever machine you had an eye on if used for a better assessment of it
Laptop's are not created equally especially dual core 64 bit machines

Depending on which office version I'm sure any would run on either bitness but 64 bit is always recommended even on a dual core processor assuming it has a decent Ghz which on a laptop or desktop would be about 2.50Ghz processor minimum.

 

[asallwey]

Thanks guys, I think I'll go with the 64 bit package if I need to install Win 7. Might try to get one that has it loaded. I've avoided leaving XP, but now it looks like I kind of have to dabble with "new" stuff

Alex

 

[bigmck]

Thanks guys, I think I'll go with the 64 bit package if I need to install Win 7. Might try to get one that has it loaded. I've avoided leaving XP, but now it looks like I kind of have to dabble with "new" stuff

Alex

It is next to impossible to find a new PC with Windows 7. You have a much better chance of finding one if you get a Refurbished PC. These are ones that have been returned for some reason, repaired and sold again. They are normally quite a bit cheaper. I have owned two in the past and they are every bit as dependable as a new machine. Just google "Refurbished laptop Windows 7". Good Luck.

 

[windws7]

Buy a PC without Windows, don't pay for an OS that will be never used

 

[Layback Bear]

If you have a small computer store or shop in town. Ask them for help and ideas.
They may have used or rebuilt PC's and Laptops and be able to install what ever operating system you want.
They may also be able to get new ones without a operating system and then once again you will be able to pick and choose the operating system you want.

 

[whs]

You need to consider that an OS costs quasi nothing if you buy it bundled with a PC. But if you buy it seperately, it will cost good money.

 

[Layback Bear]

You need to consider that an OS costs quasi nothing if you buy it bundled with a PC. But if you buy it seperately, it will cost good money.

Very true but not important if one ends up with a operating system they don't want.
The object is to end up with the hardware one desires and a operating system one also desires.
The operating system that comes bundled is not free. It's price is hidden somewhere in the price of the hardware.

 

[ThrashZone]

Yep if you buy a oem/ system builders from Newegg.com... you actually can reinstall that os
Priceless

When was the last time anyone recieved a reinstall disk from a manufacture :/
Last I remember was way back in x-p days

 

[Layback Bear]

When was the last time anyone recieved a reinstall disk from a manufacture :/
Last I remember was way back in x-p days

I can't answer that question.
I have always installed Windows from a Microsoft DVD on all my system through the years.
Activated them with the proper COA key and went on with my life.

 

[bigmck]

A XP laptop I bought in 2011 had a disc, those days are gone though.

 

[asallwey]

Thanks for the reply's everyone!!

As I originally said, I'm looking for a newer laptop, not new, probably several years old. Refurbished can be a good deal as was pointed out, I've taken that route before also. From what I've read and was posted here, I'm strongly leaning toward a laptop that has Win 7 installed, rather than a newer unit that has 8 or 10 installed. It would be a lot easier. My computing power needs are low as I really only use Excel and Word, plus web surfing.

Again, thanks all,

Alex

 

[ThrashZone]

Yep just notice return policies and if any doubts about overheating.... report immediately and return it asap
Most will only have 30 days if that
And some will only offer exchanges so read up

Most will also come from a vender and not the site so also read up on seller reviews.

 

[paul1149]

If you have 3GB or under RAM, the 32bit version OS will run much faster.

 

[whs]

Paul, I think "much faster" is a bit optimistic.

 

[paul1149]

"Noticeably" faster? I'd give it at least a 20% difference.

 

[bigmck]

"Noticeably" faster? I'd give it at least a 20% difference.

I would vote for "Can't tell any difference".

 

[whs]

"Noticeably" faster? I'd give it at least a 20% difference.

I would vote for "Can't tell any difference".

That is closer to reality.

 

[Layback Bear]

I would go for 64 bit if the laptop has the capability of adding more ram.
I have never owned a 32 bit Windows XP or Windows 7.
So I have no direct knowledge to compare with.