In the last few days I’ve noticed that many clients are purchasing new Windows-based workstations with 64 bit versions of Windows 7 installed.

This is exciting on one front as that means that Windows users with an unquenchable and unending need for speed will have their wildest dreams realized. That’s because modern computers with the latest CPUs and 6GB of RAM running 64bit are mighty fast machines.

Why?

Because Windows 7 64bit can address more than 4GB of RAM and tap into all the power of today’s powerful Intel and AMD CPUs the user experience is…amazing. That’s to speak nothing of all the amazing features in Windows 7 itself.

As is so often true in life there is a downside to all this 64bit goodness.

Compatibility.

Some printers have no drivers for Windows 7 at all forcing the user to go out and buy a new printer. All-in-one printers can be a real mixed bag; some of them will allow basic printing functions but the more advanced features of the printer may not work because their whiz-bang software won’t install on Windows 7 64 bit.

Even brand new pieces of software – Like Kodak’s Photoshare – are not compatible with Windows 7 64bit. In some cases this can make a Kodak camera inoperable with your new computer.

What to do? Always verify compatibility.

Before purchasing a computer make sure you know which version of Windows you’re getting – 32 bit or 64 bit. If you don’t absolutely NEED the extra power and speed then stick with 32 bit Windows 7 and you’ll have virtually no compatibility issues.

If you absolutely MUST have blink-in-an-eye performance, 8GB of RAM and other modern wonders but you ALSO use an older piece of mission-critical software there are two things you can do to get your program to run.

One Verify it’s compatible with Windows 7 64 bit first.

Two – If the software you need to run is not verified as compatible you’ll need to purchase a computer with a superior Intel CPU and Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Ultimate. This will allow you to run a ‘virtual’ copy of Windows XP from within Windows 7. This will allow all your critical software to run in this special Windows XP mode that is built into Windows 7. Sounds complicated? It’s a difficult concept at first until you see it running. Then it’ll make all the sense in the world to you.