64-bit Win 7 on 3GB Inspiron Laptop

[mkadam68]

Wife received a Dell Inspiron w/only 3GB of memory. I know that with the limited RAM, it's not necessarily advantageous to run 64-bit but I don't know if it'll have a negative effect. The 64-bit version was already installed & I don't have access to a 32-bit version.

Do you all have any tips for working optimizing this limited environment regarding:

• System stability
• System performance

The laptop will be used for web-browsing (IE9b & flash-based websites), e-mail (Thunderbird), occasionally Acrobat Reader, and MS Word for composing school assignments. DropBox is used to store files. MS System Security (correct name?) is used for anti-virus/protection and MS Live Family Safety for watching kids history/safety issues.

 

[yowanvista]

The 64-bit version will work fine with no issues with stability or performance

Concerning Adobe Reader, it will slow the system with its services
Use Foxit or Nitro reader instead
Foxit Software - Downloads(Latest Version)
Nitro PDF Reader

MS System Security (correct name?),

You mean Microsoft Security Essentials?
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

[mkadam68]

MS System Security (correct name?),

You mean Microsoft Security Essentials?
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/[/QUOTE]

Yes, that's it. Sorry 'bout the name.

I have Eset's NOD32 on my other computers (work, home, daughter), but I may be at my licensing limit. I'll look into it though.

 

[mikedl]

Hi, mkadam68, welcome to the Seven Forums!

3 GB on the laptop should be fine, even with 64 bit Win 7. Heck I ran 3 GB for a long time and could still run AutoCad Architecture along with Adobe CS5 while still running FireFox 4.0 x64 and Office 2010 (yes, all programs simultaneously). I also have AVG Internet Security 2011 running, too. No issues whatsoever.

Let Win 7 manage your performance and stability.

You're good to go!

For PDF files, I prefer PDF-Xchange.

 

[yousaf465]

The 64-bit version will work fine with no issues with stability or performance

Concerning Adobe Reader, it will slow the system with its services
Use Foxit or Nitro reader instead
Foxit Software - Downloads(Latest Version)
Nitro PDF Reader

MS System Security (correct name?),

You mean Microsoft Security Essentials?
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

What about Nuance - PDF Reader - Free PDF Reader. Fill and save forms. Convert to Word. PDF Converter Is it worth the consideration ?

 

[mikedl]

What about Nuance - PDF Reader - Free PDF Reader. Fill and save forms. Convert to Word. PDF Converter Is it worth the consideration ?

Not to speak for yowanvista, of course, but I've never tried it. I went with PDF-Xchange because it was the only one to have a plug-in for 64 bit browsers (I use FF 4.0b9pre x64).

 

[logicearth]

Yes, that's it. Sorry 'bout the name.

Be very careful that you always get the name correct when ever you search for it. And be sure you get it directly from Microsoft.com (Or supplier of other antivirus software). There is software out there that mimics its name and appearance. (Also for other popular brands.) Rogue antivirus they are called. Avoid at all cost. It is like you misspell Disney and get porn instead, was very popular tactic a while ago. o.o

Just putting that out there for any that pass by.

 

[mkadam68]

I'll let Windows manage everything. I already have MS Security Essentials installed. Yes, I downloaded it from MS.

I uninstalled Adobe's Acrobat and installed Nitro PDFReader. I thought it had a slightly better GUI and since my wife & kids will be using it ...

You all are very helpful and patient. Thanks very much.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

 

[gregrocker]

Concerning Adobe Reader, it will slow the system with its services

What services does Adobe Reader run? I only know of Adobe Updater service which can be turned off in Edit>Preferences>General or Update tab.

Once you turn off updater service it only runs if you open it. Is there another performance reason to use another Reader? (Just askin).

I had always heard it is best to stay with 32 bit until you have 4gb of RAM so these testimonials are interesting to read. You can, of course, change to run either bit-version with your license.

Here are some tips to consider for taming a factory bloatware install: http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...p-all-four-primary-partitions.html#post952573

 

[Ivan the SoSo]

Yes, that's it. Sorry 'bout the name.

Be very careful that you always get the name correct when ever you search for it. And be sure you get it directly from Microsoft.com (Or supplier of other antivirus software). There is software out there that mimics its name and appearance. (Also for other popular brands.) Rogue antivirus they are called. Avoid at all cost. It is like you misspell Disney and get porn instead, was very popular tactic a while ago. o.o

Just putting that out there for any that pass by.

+1 Even worse some will run a....scan......at boot up show you a list of.....problems.... then for your.....safety.....lock you out of your computer! At least till you pay for the full version....all major credit cards accepted (funny how that still works?). Very difficult to get rid off....new and improved versions daily....

 

[yousaf465]

Concerning Adobe Reader, it will slow the system with its services

What services does Adobe Reader run? I only know of Adobe Updater service which can be turned off in Edit>Preferences>General or Update tab.

Once you turn off updater service it only runs if you open it. Is there another performance reason to use another Reader? (Just askin).

I had always heard it is best to stay with 32 bit until you have 4gb of RAM so these testimonials are interesting to read. You can, of course, change to run either bit-version with your license.

Here are some tips to consider for taming a factory bloatware install: http://www.sevenforums.com/installa...p-all-four-primary-partitions.html#post952573

I converted over to Nuance - PDF Reader and immediatly saw the diff. it was much easier and lighter than adobe beast.