RSS64-Bit Windows Editions Launch
By Nate Mook | Published April 25, 2005, 1:13 PM
At WinHEC 2005, Microsoft announced it is finally ready to bring 64-bit computing to the mainstream and is shipping x64 editions of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. The 64-bit versions of Windows were released to manufacturing in late March and will now be available from PC vendors.
Microsoft has big plans for 64-bit computing, but moving towards the next-generation architecture won't be an easy transition. The new x64 Windows releases will not be sold on retail shelves - only as an option from manufacturers selling PCs with 64-bit processors from AMD and soon Intel.
Intel is expected to release its consumer 64-bit processors this month, while AMD has offered its 64-bit Opteron and AMD64 chips since last year. Those who purchased or built a PC with a 64-bit processor and 32-bit versions of Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 can upgrade to the x64 edition for a $12 shipping and handling fee.
Because most software is not designed for 64-bit computers, x64 editions of Windows also run 32-bit applications. Such a feature is almost a requirement of the operating system, as Microsoft's own 64-bit capable programming environment, Visual Studio 2005, is still in beta.
Other development software makers, such as Borland, have publicly said they are in no rush to support 64-bit systems, citing the costs to target such a small market. Nonetheless, Microsoft has said it expects 64-bit machines to make up a significant number of PCs that ship next year.
"We believe this industry move will be the easiest to date, because the 64-bit versions of Windows we've developed allow customers to run 32-bit as well as 64-bit applications," said Microsoft Group VP Jim Allchin. "It's a best-of-both-worlds model that lets customers integrate new and more powerful technologies at their own pace without having to risk their current technology investments or abandon their existing systems and applications."
Jupiter Research senior analyst Joe Wilcox, however, questions whether Microsoft will see the uptake it hopes.
"Microsoft may make big noise about 64-bit Windows, but I don't see it as much of a big deal on the desktop. For most people, for most of what they do, 32-bit delivers plenty of performance," Wilcox told BetaNews. "My bet: the 64-bit user benefit will be missing for most people. Even if all PC manufacturers starting selling only 64-bit systems tomorrow, I foresee modest 64-bit Windows adoption on the desktop."
Although Microsoft is shipping over 16,000 drivers with the 64-bit Windows editions, hardware support will still be a major hurdle.
Redmond is planning to use WinHEC to push manufacturers into making drivers for the new platform. Microsoft also plans to soon begin accepting applications for Windows XP x64 Edition in its "Designed for Windows" logo program.
"There isn't enough supporting infrastructure," says Jupiter's Wilcox. "Microsoft made the move from 16-bit to 32-bit with a new operating system, new version of Office and reasonable hardware driver support. Right now there is a vacuum of applications and supporting hardware. Big 64-bit talk may be good marketing, but talking the talk isn't the same as customers walking the walk."
I placed the order on Monday morning 8am or so, and it still says pending... Does anyone have their order shipped?
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|I have had a copy of this full version for three weeks...
There is ONE Antivirus that fully works with it (Avast)
There are MANY apps that DONT work with this (RealPlayer, Daemon Tools, ALL AntiVirus but one, and many more)
I did gain a pretty good performance increase, but if I don't have any apps to have the gain on, then what's the point?
People who surf the net and check email will find this OS useful right now. But then again, those people prob didn't buy a 64bit CPU then did they...
As a matter of fact, I am reinstalling XP SP2 RIGHT NOW lol
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|Save your money and save your time.
Wait till Longhorn 64bit.
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|1. Windows XP pro OEM copies can all be upgraded, it doesn't matter weather you built your machine yourself or bought it.
2. Windows XP Pro x64 will sold as OEM not retail, this just means www.newegg.com will require you to purchase hardware { cheap cable, hard drive, etc. }.
3. Trial: there is also a 120 day that can be sent to you.
4. Download: Windows Server 2003 x64 is available for download. It's pretty much the same as the pro edition except it has additional server features.
5. Screenshot: Enter the COA or PID and choose a date from March 31, 2003 and July 31, 2005:
http://img165.echo.cx/img165/9279/snap0123vp.png
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|1. you will have to reformat your hard drive.
2. I already paid for a licensed upgrade to win xp pro on my 64 bit computer which will be invalid - cost 80 additional dollars. no reason for this license to be negated - what if I have to reinstall should this not work out? (judging by past experience it won't go clean.)
3. Trial versions have never worked well on backwards compatibility. Did they solve this?
4. I was sold a machine under the pretense that win 64 would be offered as an upgrade which would install as an upgrade - are there some problems yet to be resolved when a clean install is needed?
5. Think a class action against manufacturers and microsoft is in order. This has all been one grand hoax.
Facts
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|Don't format just install on a seperate partition.
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|I think everyone will be able to upgrade their OS except the #%$$@&'s like me that went out and bought a retail version instead of the OEM. The horror, the horror... I just hope MS sees through this and changes the rules.
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|Yes, and we all know how well Windows works with two versions on the same system.
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|Works fine:
C: Windows XP
D: Windows XP x64
E: Longhorn
No problems :)
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|x64 is really good, microsoft did a great job on the OS. It's greatly improved over the Windows XP 5.12600.
The only problem is the drivers, stupid hardware vendors have been lazy about working on drivers for their products.
I believe microsoft will produce some generic drivers so some hardware will work but overall the industry gets a D- for not getting on the ball.
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|I guess for now I only need one of my two computers to be 64 bit. Sorry guys, Linux for sure wins on this one.
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|I went to the upgrade site for those of us that have XP Pro and clicked the link to the right on this site. I built my own computer and bought the full version of the OS. When you get to the screen asking for your product key you'll be surprised that the format won't fit the 25 number key for windows. So I'm still a bit lost on how to update my OS to the 64 bit one .
http://www.microsoft.com...it/upgrade/default.mspx
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|You need the product key, implying that you already installed the OS. I suggest you call MS to get your copy upgraded. Worked for my other two copies of winxp that I have, and the upgrade site worked great for my copy that came installed on my machine
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|Thanks for the tip. I'll contact MS and see if they can upgrade my OS to x64. Cubshrine !!!
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|Dude, that is because your current key is in 32-bits. You have to convert the key into a 64-bit String.
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|That's because the COA string the page is asking for is NOT the serial #. The serial # doesn't fit the fields. On the OEM sticker right under the serial # is a barcode and a numeric sequence right under that, THAT is what you put into that COA field in the webpage, I did it, works great.
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|Upgrade site doesn't work at all.
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|Windows XP 64 bit is not gonna be on retail shelves? So how in the world am I suppoosed to get it. I built a AMD Athlon 64 system for nothing?
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|u buy XP PRO
and u can trade it in for xp 64 via M$'s site
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|That seems kind of silly to me.
Does anyone have any predictions on when this will really take off? I am thinking that we are still a long way from lots of 64bit versions of applications - and I have heard/read that XP 64 is going to be flaky at best with regards to 32 bit emulation... Any thoughts or feelings on that?
Hal (http://hal.lco.net/Windows+XP+Pro+Goes+64bit.aspx)
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|32-bit emulation seems to work pretty well in software that doesn't require 3rd-party drivers from what I'm hearing (games will run slower until better 64-bit drivers etc.).
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|Just got off the phone with M$ and they said the traid up program was only for OEM copies. Fools like myself who made there own computers and paid $300 from staples are out of luck. Damn.
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|No retail because lots of noobs would buy it at Best Buy and not figure out why it doesn't install on their Pentium 3's or Athlon XP machine.
Their is an OEM copy though which an be bought at say newegg.com with the purchase of a cable :)
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|Hire an attorney.
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|Yeah I know how you feel. I needed a full version of XP Pro pronto and bought it at Staples too. Can't figure out how people that bought the retail full version (for more $$$$) are being left out of the upgrade option. M$ should try and reward those that pay instead of turning them into those that borrow (pirate).
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|Noobs? I highly doubt that would be the reasoning behind not releasing it into the retail outlets. Non-Noobs like yourself will be whining in all the forums about how this driver isn't working and this hardware isn't working on your systems. The slow release to a limited market will bring a healthy growth to the 64 bit world... the major players are many steps behind.
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|That is M$, money hungry company. Why would anyone want to buy their products?
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|I beg to differ, the noobs are one of the EXACT reasons this won't be on retail shelves. The other reason: this 64-bit version is not intended for moms/dads who are doing greeting cards or emails, etc. This is considered a high-performance OS for those who need to harness the power of it. Why in the world would Microsoft put an OS like that in a BestBuy store??
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|If everyone thought like that then we would have never broken through the 32-bit OS barrier with Windows 95.
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|The guy who writes Virtual Dub is currently writing a 64-bit version of it. (Or so I believe).
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|I agree with MS. Initially, it is smart to release Win/64 in a limited rollout. They will have more control over OEM installs, as opposed to OEM and Retail installs. At least with OEM installs, they have a glimmer of hope that the OEMS are hitting 'known' systems suchs as Dell/Compaq/etc builds. Those people running OEM builds on custom built PCs, will be the true guinie pigs. As long as they can keep you in the minority, then you will make a good test bed without being a PR nightmare. Once the driver situation is a little more under control, then they will release the Win/64's to retail.
Too many people out there are simply idiots. They will try to install Win/64 (whatever flavor), have problems, and then say "Microsoft sucks", when it's really their own fault. Heck.. I have my doubts about people on this forum. Half of you already seem confused about the upgrade webpage!
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|Yup, yup.
MS knows that slow proliferation of their new technology is the smartest move... Would you want to support a lot of poeple or a few of them?
As for level of knowledge of some people here on betanews, yeah we have a wide range of members. Kinda the point. Experts wouldnt be experts if there werent noobs around...
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