Jim asked me to talk about the benefits of 64 bit operating systems. Jim, traditional operating systems like Microsoft Windows XP and Vista are mostly 32 bit which means they can utilize a fairly limited maximum amount of memory. 32 bit operating systems are fine for the majority of the population and until only recently have 64 bit operating systems become popular.
Until recently, 32 bit operating systems were the standard included with new computers as well as the usual installed by most people and businesses. 32 bit operating systems can handle most computing needs and certainly can handle hardware requirements of a typical system. Within the last two or three years, multi-core processors and systems with large amounts of memory started to become popular which necessitated 64 bit operating systems.
When comparing 32 bit against 64 bit operating systems it’s easy to see some of the benefits. 32 bit operating systems can generally utilize a maximum of 3.5 gigabytes of memory; on the other hand, 64 bit Windows 7 Ultimate can use 192 gigabytes of memory. In addition to memory, 64 bit operating systems also make much better use of processor functions. Maximizing memory with a 64 bit operating system is usually limited by the hardware.
I’ve given you a few of the positives about 64 bit operating systems. Here are some distinct negatives. First, many software titles simply will not run under 64 bit operating systems. Second, debugging and virus removal in 64 bit systems is really not fun or easy. Finally, 64 bit operating systems are not universally supported; which means that if you had problems with the system and needed tech support it will be limited.
I suggest holding off on 64 bit operating systems unless you absolutely need it. I do not suggest 64 bit systems unless customers are manipulating large files – like graphic artists or CAD designers. For the rest of us, 32 bit operating systems are still the norm and should be considered so until 64 bit is truly ready for ‘prime time.’
I’ve also been asked by Sam to explain how virus software differs from malware software. Viruses, malware and spyware are three different computer infections which all disrupt the operating system in different ways. Viruses, by definition, are computer intrusions which can copy themselves without user interaction. Spyware typically monitors user inputs (like credit card numbers) and can forward it to others. Finally, malware usually is malicious; however, it is usually pretty harmless.
Virus software always targets viruses and does not usually seek and remove other intrusions. Some virus software includes protection for all types of infections – but nothing protects from all. This is why the best protected computers have a mix of virus software, malware, and spyware removal utilities. It is best to run only one at a time when the computer is on which is why most people choose virus software as their first line of defense.
Typically at the shop we install a mix of four (sometimes five) titles. AVG virus software, Malwarebytes, Spybot and A-Squared are all installed during our normal cleansing process. As I said earlier, each has separate purposes and looks at infections differently than others. The fifth title which we install in the worst cases is Comodo firewall. A firewall examines all files entering and leaving the computer via the internet and checks all of them.
Tech-Tip of the week: Connecting with friends and loved ones is easy using Skype. Skype is a free chat utility which can transmit video as well as text using the internet to any other Skype user. Users have the ability to choose only people who they know. My daughters live almost two hours from me so I personally use Skype to communicate with them.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can e-mail him at Jeromy@LocalComputerWiz.com or call him directly at (978) 919-8059.)