What's the big idea, Microsoft?
Asked by
Jerikao (
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January 12th, 2010
So today, while I was at work, I was fiddling with our test computer… Putting it together so that we can test random video cards, memory, etc. (I work as a Network Technician) Anyways, while flipping through our Microsoft Action Pack subscription package, I noticed we had Windows XP Pro x64. Now, I had heard of it, but never bothered to try it. So I figured, ”... Well why the hell not?” So I popped it in and installed it.
After the regular wait, while it installed and tried desperately to find proper universal drivers (which it couldn’t for most things [it’s okay, I had the support disk for the motherboard handy]), I finally got it booted up and ready to go. I spent less than an hour playing with it though.
It suddenly occurred to me, ”... What’s the point in this?” I mean really. Windows XP x64 has to be the bastard child of Windows XP. I realize that Microsoft was under pressure because they had not released anything new for a while… But sheeeeesh. We didn’t REALLY need another waste of time like ME. At least XP is incredibly more stable than ME… But it is still quite pointless. At the point where most programs require 64-bit processing, Windows XP will have faded out of existence anyways. Sure, there are some 64-bit programs available already… But most of them are high-end, very specialized programs for video, audio, etc.
I guess basically, my point is, ”... What gives, Microsoft? Why not release something useful instead?”
… On that note, I guess I’ll put the question to you all instead. Have any of you ever found a use for Windows XP x64? Or heard of anyone who really needed 64-bit processing right away, rather than just wait for Windows Vista?
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I did find a use for Windows XP x64….refining my aim into trashcan. XP x64 comes in a pretty package…as a “highclass” XP…but when installed, all the wrapping comes off and we end up with only a more frustrating version of the everyday XP. Bleck.
Windows Vista 64 bit is a similar story. I installed it and went through nothing but a lot of virtual pain. Most programs wouldn’t install, not even Microsoft Word. A 32 bit is what I use now…its the only Vista that works for me.
The only people I know with a 64 bit Vista are extreme graphic designers. So Microsoft did come out with something practical…for 3% of the population that is. Good job Microsoft! I look forward to your tech revolutions in the future…perhaps some of them might even cause a ripple! That would be the eighth wonder of the world.
Well… Having to work with it every day (oddly enough… At work…), I will say that we’re starting to see more and more convenient support for Vista 64. And therefore for XP x64. However, for anyone but those Graphic Designers, etc., neither really has any purpose as yet. I am quite certain some game company will eventually make full use of 64-bit capabilities… But as yet, even for the gamer these 64-bit operating systems are nothing but a hassle.
@Jerikao The 64 bit has great potential. However, I remember the early days of Vista…Microsoft could barely manage that one. The lack of 64 bits circulating around the population and the fact that Microsoft is not known for it’s superior quality may hinder the 64 a bit…I wonder how long development will take?
Well Geez! Look at how long they waiting in putting out Vista! That’s actually a huge part of the problem with it. They waited so long… Kept adding features in the meantime… And it got to be this behemoth that most people with lower-end laptops wouldn’t bother to try and run. Ahem. (not that my Acer Aspire isn’t respectable. I just think that its rather small-ish harddrive is put to better use holding… 32-bit games… And all my 32-bit programs… And all the easily accessible 32-bit… Um… Everything). So XP x64 was a waste of time and Vista was doomed from the get go. I will say that I am actually enjoying toying with Windows 7, though. They slimmed the whole thing down a lot.
It may have been a developer’s exercise.
I get the feeling it was for people who wanted 64-bit and couldn’t bear to look at another machine running vista.
XP64 was sort of a stop-gap measure when the 64-bit processors started to get really popular (when AMD was star of the show). I think it was a bit rushed so they could say they had a 64-bit OS because Linux was already working pretty well in 64-bit land.
@mrentropy Yep. Can’t let the unkempt Bohemians from Penguin-land beat the Redmond Giant, can we?
@jerv That’s what they were trying to avoid. At that early stage you had a choice of using Linux (or a BSD, etc) or using your 64-bit processor as a 32-bit processor.
If I remember the history correct, Microsoft was in the process of putting together a 64-bit XP for Intel’s Itanium but it took a while; when AMD’s processors took off they had to kind of switch gears quickly. And Microsoft doesn’t do very many things quickly.
@mrentropy “And Microsoft doesn’t do very many things quickly.” Like patch security holes?
On the note of them not doing things quickly, there’s a rumor that they’re preparing to release Windows 7 SP1 very shortly.
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