chris_tribble Posted August 10, 2009 Share #1 Posted August 10, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) After a lost weekend I thought others might be interested to know that although the installation experience with Windows 7 RC was fairly straightforward AND Lightroom and PS CS4 really fly on at Dell T3400 Workstation, there's a downside... Older software like Dreamweaver 8 and Adobe Acrobat Professional 7 can't be installed Older hardware like a Canon LIDE 30 scanner won't work Older printers like an Epson Photo 2100 () and HP LJ 1005 won't work ... SO - although there's a real benefit on image processing (and don't forget when you buy LR or PS you get both the 32 and 64 bit versions), there's a major additional software / hardware expense implicit in buying into 64 bit computing. Kudos to Microsoft for making the RC version freely available - I know that for the moment, with 2 desktop PCs and a laptop all happily running with XP Pro, I won't be planning to change for a year or two.... can't bring myself to throw perfectly functioning kit away for a marginal benefit... Hope the experience may save others a bit of time! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 10, 2009 Posted August 10, 2009 Hi chris_tribble, Take a look here Windows 7 64 bit experience. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
farnz Posted August 10, 2009 Share #2 Posted August 10, 2009 Thanks, Chris, that's 'good' to know. I desperately need to replace my 7 year old pc but I really don't want to have to spend the time and effort inherent in messing about with Vista and I already know the distinct limitations of XP so I have been waiting for Windows 7 in the vain hope that it might provide the answer for me on a suitably beefy platform. Perhaps it will not all be plain sailing ... I'd move to a Mac in a heartbeat if it didn't entail replacing mountains of software at eye-watering cost. Please let us know if you find problems with other software. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfarkas Posted August 11, 2009 Share #3 Posted August 11, 2009 I got a new machine about a month ago and decided to take the Win 7 64-bit RC plunge. I've been using XP Pro and decided to skip over Vista. It has totally been worth it. Win 7 feels like a totally modern OS. It is snappy, stable, and the UI improvements are really, really nice. I have the CS4 Master Collection, LR 2.4, C1 v4.8, Office 2007, and other programs running with no problems. 64-bit is a dream. The difference between having only 2GB of RAM and having to close one program before opening another and now having 8GB that I can actually use is amazing. I can have LR, PS CS4, IE, Firefox, Acrobat, and Office apps all open and I'm still only using 60-70% of RAM. Coupled with quad core, a fast video card, and SSD drives, my Win 7 experience has been enjoyable with absolutely no hassles. I'm amazed at just how simple, seemless, and instantaneous everything is. For those considering the jump, I highly recommend it. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted August 11, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted August 11, 2009 Please let us know if you find problems with other software. Pete. While I absolutely agree with David that 64 bit is the way to go, the frustrations I had with software / hardware incompatibilities were a real issue. My problem's compounded by having to run two homes, and therefore two static machines and a laptop. Win 7 was going to involve replacing two perfectly adequate flatbed scanners, a laser printer, quite probably a perfectly well functioning A3 photo printer + software that I like but only use from time to time and don't want to "upgrade" / replace (Omnipage 12, Acrobat Pro 7, Dreamweaver 8, Illustrator CS3 appear to be main candidates)... As my older (twin Xeon processor workstation) PC was going to also be a problem for drivers, the whole thing was beginning to look very expensive - especially as everything's working at the moment. My strategy (I have a strategy?) now will be to wait until I need to replace kit, and to recognise that 64 bit is going to be the way to go. I will then look for software / hardware bundles when I do the buying and make it as economical as I can. I'm going to regret not having the smoothness of Win7 64 - it really did fly and looked pretty too... but for the moment I'll have to work on the "it's not broken so why fix it" principle. PETE - BTW - if you're in the market for a new PC, I strongly recommend the Dell T3500 series. They're remarkably good value + they run really quietly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted August 11, 2009 Share #5 Posted August 11, 2009 Chris, Thanks, it's always good to get word of mouth recommendations from someone who knows what they're doing so I'll look into a Dell T3500. I presume that your problems with the flatbed scanner and laser printer can't be simply solved by updating the drivers (when they become available) can they? David, The performance boost with Win 7 is very encouraging and I'll make the jump when MS releases the commercial package. I've personally contended with just too many pre-release MS bugs in the past to go anywhere near a 'beaujolais' copy. I'd normally give the software a couple of years to mature and install it after the first service pack but I can't trust my sturdy but unsettlingly rattly pc to wait that long. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted August 11, 2009 Share #6 Posted August 11, 2009 I've pre order Win 7 but don't know if I'll ever install it. XP Pro has been so good since I started using it 2002 or 2003 on 4-7 different computers that I don't need anything else at this time. Like Chris I run a lot of older software, Office 2000 for starters (never saw the need to upgrade the Office Apps), that I use on a daily basis and don't look forward to haveing to find new software that does the same things. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 11, 2009 Share #7 Posted August 11, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm a bit puzzled by this. Windows 7 is supposed to incorporate a virtual XP to enable older programs to run on it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandymc Posted August 11, 2009 Share #8 Posted August 11, 2009 I'm a bit puzzled by this. Windows 7 is supposed to incorporate a virtual XP to enable older programs to run on it. Older applications yes, but (a) graphics will probably be quite slow and ( its not likely to be helpful for older drivers. Also be aware that not all CPUs will run the virtual XP mode: Microsoft, Intel goof up Windows 7's "XP Mode" - Ars Technica Sandy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 11, 2009 Share #9 Posted August 11, 2009 Hmm. I was sort of thinking of migrating to Mac already,but as soon as I need an ugrade in hardware I think I'll bid goodbye to good old Windows... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksparrow Posted August 11, 2009 Share #10 Posted August 11, 2009 Hmm. I was sort of thinking of migrating to Mac already,but as soon as I need an ugrade in hardware I think I'll bid goodbye to good old Windows... That's the best windows upgrade you can ever make!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 11, 2009 Share #11 Posted August 11, 2009 Yeah-I know. The problem is that the Macpro I'd like to have costs over 3000 Euro.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted August 11, 2009 Share #12 Posted August 11, 2009 That's the best windows upgrade you can ever make!! Not true if all you have is Windows software and please don't start with "But you can run Windows on a Mac with X/Y/Z compatibility/dualboot software". Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted August 11, 2009 Share #13 Posted August 11, 2009 Not true if all you have is Windows software... That depends on the software an individual runs - and we're all different in that regard. For example Lightroom comes as standard in both Mac and PC forms, Adobe will supply cross platform version of Photoshop at a nominal fee. Microsoft office will need to be re-bought - I bought the student and home edition for well under £100 and that covers all the items in Office that I use on a regular basis. It's easy enough for someone to calculate the total cost of switching and then making their decision. Of course if there's a vital piece of software that is only available in Windows format that complicates matters as you suggest. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 11, 2009 Share #14 Posted August 11, 2009 Not true if all you have is Windows software and please don't start with "But you can run Windows on a Mac with X/Y/Z compatibility/dualboot software". That is indeed a concern. But the machine I am thinking of basically only runs CS4, C1 and some other editing software. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanG Posted August 11, 2009 Share #15 Posted August 11, 2009 While I absolutely agree with David that 64 bit is the way to go, the frustrations I had with software / hardware incompatibilities were a real issue. My problem's compounded by having to run two homes, and therefore two static machines and a laptop. Win 7 was going to involve replacing two perfectly adequate flatbed scanners, a laser printer, quite probably a perfectly well functioning A3 photo printer + software that I like but only use from time to time and don't want to "upgrade" / replace (Omnipage 12, Acrobat Pro 7, Dreamweaver 8, Illustrator CS3 appear to be main candidates)... As my older (twin Xeon processor workstation) PC was going to also be a problem for drivers, the whole thing was beginning to look very expensive - especially as everything's working at the moment. Why not install Windows 7 as a dual boot,and keep XP? I installed Vista 64 that way. I only need to use XP for an old scanner. All of my old software and hardware works fine in Vista 64 as there is an XP compatibility mode and updated drivers. Does 64 bit Windows 7 also have the XP compatibility mode or does it require the virtual machine setup? (My processor does not support the virtual machine.) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted August 11, 2009 Author Share #16 Posted August 11, 2009 Why not install Windows 7 as a dual boot,and keep XP? I installed Vista 64 that way. I only need to use XP for an old scanner. All of my old software and hardware works fine in Vista 64 as there is an XP compatibility mode and updated drivers. Does 64 bit Windows 7 also have the XP compatibility mode or does it require the virtual machine setup? (My processor does not support the virtual machine.) Good questions Alan - I'd not thought about going dual boot.... something to consider. The issue for me there would be the breakdown in working patterns that could be a real hassle... re XP compatability mode, it'll work on my Dell, but it will require buying the Pro version of Windows 7 + I've heard mixed reports on how well it does... SO - for the moment, it's off into the sunshine to take photographs (once I've finished reading my student's dissertation...) Best... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfarkas Posted August 11, 2009 Share #17 Posted August 11, 2009 Hmm. I was sort of thinking of migrating to Mac already,but as soon as I need an ugrade in hardware I think I'll bid goodbye to good old Windows... Seriously... try Win 7 first. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
delander † Posted August 11, 2009 Share #18 Posted August 11, 2009 For example Lightroom comes as standard in both Mac and PC forms, Adobe will supply cross platform version of Photoshop at a nominal fee. Steve is that true in the UK? My Adobe software incl Photoshop and InDesign is a major reason why I have not bothered with a Mac. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandymc Posted August 11, 2009 Share #19 Posted August 11, 2009 Seriously... try Win 7 first. David I'd second what David says, at least if you a significant investment in Windows software. Windows 7 is a significant step up from Vista, which I just couldn't abide. Given the choice, I still use my OS X box rather than the Windows box, but, barring some glitches (pig ugly, lots of wasted screen real estate, occasionally deciding not to allow me access to my own files), Win 7 is reasonably usable. Disclaimer - I've only run the 64 bit one. Not much point in 32 bit Win 7, unless you have driver issues. Oh, I should add - don't trust the upgrade option; it blew up on me and trashed the whole disk. Just do a clean install. Sandy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted August 11, 2009 Share #20 Posted August 11, 2009 Steve is that true in the UK? My Adobe software incl Photoshop and InDesign is a major reason why I have not bothered with a Mac. Lightroom certainly is, an email to Adobe should confirm the situation regarding the other software you use. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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