Is W 7 (64bit) a big improvment over XP (64bit)?

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Hello everybody.

I am still struggling trying to decide which OS to install in my computer, I've read a lot of good stuff on the internet about Windows 7 but none of the users are photographers so can't really help.

My question is: do you see a big improvement related to windows 7 (64bit) over XP (64bit) SP3?

Are you familiar with both softwares? why did you decide to upgrade to W7?

I am ready to give the step but want to consider the advise of all those who have experience with both OS.

Your help is much appreciated.

[Jamie Strickland]

I have not used xp 64 bit, but between Vista 64 and 7 I would say there is a slight increase in performance but more importantly it got rid of the annoying confirmation windows !

keep in mind that you cannot upgrade from XP to 7, you either have to upgrade to Vista and then 7 or do a fresh install

[Don Railton]

Hello Juan

I use Win7 64bit on a new machine I have recently purchased which has an I7 processor and 6GB of ram and a Quattro 580 video card on a ASUS PT6 mainboard. W7 is very fast to boot and and the machine is also quick in processing photos (CS4), but I don't know if the operating speed if from the new machine or the more efficient operating system. I do however get the blue screen of death occasionally (Machine locks up requiring a manual reset or sometimes it resets itself) which i think is a hardware problem as once it 'Locked up' during boot before WIN 7was installed. I am far from being a PC guru, but I am happy with Win7..

DON

[Lance Peters]

Hello everybody.

I am still struggling trying to decide which OS to install in my computer, I've read a lot of good stuff on the internet about Windows 7 but none of the users are photographers so can't really help.

My question is: do you see a big improvement related to windows 7 (64bit) over XP (64bit) SP3?

Are you familiar with both softwares? why did you decide to upgrade to W7?

I am ready to give the step but want to consider the advise of all those who have experience with both OS.

Your help is much appreciated.

Have used both - WIN 7 is a huge improvement - just make sure you have 64 bit drivers for all of your components - otherwise you will run into trouble. I think there is a upgrade assistant that will help advise if you have anything that is going to cause problems - might be worth running first.
Have not had any trouble with the run of the mill photography programs.

That said have swapped to a MAC for my main machine - find you spend less time keeping the computer working and more time doing what you want to - used PC'S for all my life until this year. Find I now do not want to spend time keeping a PC running optimally.

[arash_hazeghi]

Win XP 64 is an ancient OS which never really picked up, it is a very bad choice as it has many bugs and a lot of devices don't have drivers for it, not sure why you have come up with XP 64Bit. Win 7 64 is a very good stable OS, I have been running it since Dec with no crash or hang ups. Do need a modern computer.

[Robert Amoruso]

I am very happy with Vista 64-bit and how CS4 64-bit runs under it.

I just got a new laptop with Win7 and 64-bit and installed CS5 on it. Win7 boots faster and runs nice then Vista. PS seems to be the same on both.

WIN7 64-bit recommended.

[Juan Carlos Vindas]

Thanks to all!

I finally installed Windows 7 64bit on my computer and I am still getting used to the interface.
I have to say that I like it so far! Just updated it and everything seems to be working OK. I did the upgrade mostly because I wanted PS to take advantage of all the RAM installed in my computer. Now I have to calibrate the monitor which is showing ugly colors and I think the brightness is affecting my eyes a bit.