Vista - 64-bit Windows Vista - Driver and application support

http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-D...ta-55798.shtml


Enlarge pictureMicrosoft delivers Windows Vista in both 32-bit and 64-bit
flavors. While a system configuration with a x64 processor certainly
recommends one of the 64-bit editions of Windows Vista, these versions of
the operating system do come with downsides that customers need to be aware
of. Being essentially identical to 32-bit Windows Vista, the 64-bit editions
will deliver support for 32-bit applications without any problems.

This aspect is one of the pillars of the transition to 64-bit. Users are
encouraged to adopt
the next wave in computing technology while still being able to enjoy the
same programs they used to on their 32-bit system. However, 64-bit Vista
does not offer support for 16-bit applications or components. Old solutions
designed for platforms that preceded 32-bit will not function on x64 Vista.

64-bit Windows Vista also features an additional line of defense against
buffer overflow attacks. Vista's Data Execution Prevention (DEP) will work
in conjunction with the 64-bit processor to prevent exploits, but one major
shortcoming is the fact that legitimate applications and processes will be
stopped if the operating system detects a buffer overflow condition.

Another problem that users will face on 64-bit Vista is the generalized lack
of driver support. Drivers in x64 Vista are a completely different deal than
on 32-bit Windows platforms. And although 64-bit Vista supports 32-bit
applications it does not do the same with 32-bit drivers. The products have
to be prepared for 64-bit Vista, as the operating system brings to the table
a feature called Signed Kernel Mode Drivers. 64-bit kernel-mode drivers will
not be installed in Windows Vista without digital signatures. Also automatic
registry and system file redirection specific to the 32-bit operating
systems have not made it into 64-bit Vista.

And last but not least, the x64 version of Windows Vista introduces Kernel
Patch Protection. PatchGuard is a technology designed to prevent access to
the core of the operating system. All applications - including legitimate
programs such as security solutions - that needed to access the operating
system's kernel in order to function will fail under 64-bit Vista.

Tiberius,

"Another problem that users will face on 64-bit Vista is the generalized
lack of driver support."

That has not been my experience. With one exception I can think of (Canon
MF3110 printer/scanner), where there are Vista 32-bit drivers, there are
also Vista 64-bit drivers.

I've also had very few problems with apps that run on 64-bit Vista.



"Tiberius" <James@tiberius.kirk> wrote in message
news:O13r8KkoHHA.4592@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-D...ta-55798.shtml
>
>
> Enlarge pictureMicrosoft delivers Windows Vista in both 32-bit and 64-bit
> flavors. While a system configuration with a x64 processor certainly
> recommends one of the 64-bit editions of Windows Vista, these versions of
> the operating system do come with downsides that customers need to be
> aware of. Being essentially identical to 32-bit Windows Vista, the 64-bit
> editions will deliver support for 32-bit applications without any
> problems.
>
> This aspect is one of the pillars of the transition to 64-bit. Users are
> encouraged to adopt
> the next wave in computing technology while still being able to enjoy the
> same programs they used to on their 32-bit system. However, 64-bit Vista
> does not offer support for 16-bit applications or components. Old
> solutions designed for platforms that preceded 32-bit will not function on
> x64 Vista.
>
> 64-bit Windows Vista also features an additional line of defense against
> buffer overflow attacks. Vista's Data Execution Prevention (DEP) will work
> in conjunction with the 64-bit processor to prevent exploits, but one
> major shortcoming is the fact that legitimate applications and processes
> will be stopped if the operating system detects a buffer overflow
> condition.
>
> Another problem that users will face on 64-bit Vista is the generalized
> lack of driver support. Drivers in x64 Vista are a completely different
> deal than on 32-bit Windows platforms. And although 64-bit Vista supports
> 32-bit applications it does not do the same with 32-bit drivers. The
> products have to be prepared for 64-bit Vista, as the operating system
> brings to the table a feature called Signed Kernel Mode Drivers. 64-bit
> kernel-mode drivers will not be installed in Windows Vista without digital
> signatures. Also automatic registry and system file redirection specific
> to the 32-bit operating systems have not made it into 64-bit Vista.
>
> And last but not least, the x64 version of Windows Vista introduces Kernel
> Patch Protection. PatchGuard is a technology designed to prevent access to
> the core of the operating system. All applications - including legitimate
> programs such as security solutions - that needed to access the operating
> system's kernel in order to function will fail under 64-bit Vista.
>

Tiberius wrote:

> http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-D...ta-55798.shtml

Why are you posting old news from Softpedia? To see your name in the ng?
You're lonely? I understand Doris is looking for a few good boys. You
two would make a cute couple.
Frank