[WriteLog] Cannot get sound card to work with any digital apps

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

>>> W6SA wrote:
Just seems to be this computer as my laptop seems to be OK with the 32 bit Vista.  All apps can access the soundcard on the laptop.  Maybe 64 bit Vista has some issues?

>>> My reply:

Hi Walt,

There are some fundamental differences between 32-bit and 64-bit OS'.  A similar question about 32-bit vs 64-bit Windows came up recently on the Ham-Computers reflector and I posted a reply.  Since it's somewhat relevant, I'm re-posting it here.  A key difference is the way device drivers are allowed to interact with the kernel.  Another is that some apps may need to be re-compiled with a 64-bit compiler to work properly in x64.  Also, there is no 16-bit application support in x64 - if any apps use 16-bit code, they won't work.

Unfortunately, many vendors are selling Windows x64 without informing consumers about the caveats of the 64-bit OS.  Yes, it's forward looking, but for many, backwards compatibility is more important.  Many are selling x64 primarily based on the fact that you can access more than 4GB.  Although true, most people really don't even need more than 2GB (or even 1GB).  It's all in the marketing.

Anyways, I hope this info is useful.

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O


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From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net [mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net]
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 11:14 AM
To: I>Ham-Computers
Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] Vista Home Premium 32 bit vs. 64 bit?

Hi Philip (et al),

Yes, the 64-bit editions (x64) of Windows do seem "snappier" than the 32-bit editions.  The standard 32-bit apps really don't run that much faster (and some may even run slower on Windows x64), but the underlying 64-bit kernel is able to do things a bit faster (such as I/O read/writes) making the overall experience seem faster.  64-bit apps will generally run faster, but there aren't many of these and they're usually pretty specialized.

>From a legal standpoint, you may or may not be able to "switch" from 32-bit to 64-bit - you'll need to read your Windows EULA to be sure.

There are actually more disadvantages to running 64-bit "desktop" editions of Windows than the advantages.  The primary advantages of 64-bit Windows are:

* Support for >4GB memory space
* "Snappier" performance
* (Slightly) more protected kernel

Disadvantages:

* Requires 64-bit device drivers for all hardware devices (no 32-bit driver support)
* All device drivers *must* be signed
* Some 32-bit apps won't work properly in Windows x64
* No 16-bit compatibility layer - 16-bit apps will not run in Windows x64

In general, unless you have an absolute need for Windows x64 (e.g. have a 64-bit app), it's best for now to stick with the standard 32-bit editions.

Just my $0.02.


73,

  - Aaron, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 9:04 AM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Vista Home Premium 32 bit vs. 64 bit?

Hi,
I have an Acer 6930 laptop I bought awhile back.  It has a 320GB HD and 3GB of ram, 2.2GHz Intel Dual Core processor.  It came with the 32 bit Vista Home Premium OS.

I liked it well enough that for Christmas I gave my wife the same machine, except that it has a 250GB HD and 4GB of ram (she was running an antique 600MHz P3 and Win98).  Except for the HD and RAM, her machine has all the same peripherals (sound card, web camera etc) as mine.  Her machine came with the Vista Home Premium 64 bit OS though, along with all the same 
"extra" software that mine came with.

QUESTIONS:
1.  Her machine seems to boot and possible run user programs little faster than mine does.  Is that due to the 64 bit OS?

2.  Can I, and would it be of any advantage, for me to use the "restore DVD's" that I created for her machine to install the 64 bit OS on my machine? (As per the owners manual, the first thing I did after getting both machines is to create the DVD restore disks).  I suppose that if it didn't work, I could always use the "hidden partition" or the restore disks I created to return to the original configuration.

73 de Phil,  KO6BB
http://ko6bb1.multiply.com/
http://members.lycos.co.uk/ko6bb/

DX begins at the noise floor!
RADIO/Antennas: Yaesu FT-2000, Two Modified Mini-whips.
Homebrewed 6Hz Filter, Modified MFJ-1040C Pre-Amplifier.
Merced, Central California, 37.3N 120.48W  CM97sh

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