[TriLUG] OT: 64-bit computing advice

[Kevin Flanagan]

I second the comments about cheap hardware,  you can get a refurb system 
for really cheap, the 64bit question really isn't an issue.  You may not 
get all of the advantages out of it, but it doesn't cause real issues 
with compatibility.  See ecost.com for this deal, there's more like it.

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail~dpno~3246875.asp


Have you looked into crossover office from Codeweavers?  It's an 
alternative to Win4lin, and generally less overhead than a real VM 
solution.  Use of Win4lin or crossover office will let your dad run 
things more seamlessly, but still be on Linux for those apps like 
Firefox, Thunderbird, etc that are better native.



Kevin





Brian Henning wrote:
> Hiya Gang,
>   My dad is asking me for advice on upgrading his P-III 750MHz Win98 
> desktop which is gradually grinding to a halt.  It seems that the 
> marketplace is really trying to shove 64-bit desktop computing down 
> our throats (anyone seen an Athlon XP for sale lately?  Or a quality 
> mobo to put it on?).  I don't have any direct experience with 64-bit 
> chips, but it seems like I've heard a lot of horror stories about 
> unsupported hardware, as well as further DRM encumberances in the 
> Windows platform.  Unfortunately in this case, Windows is a 
> requirement.  I'm sure Dad would be interested in switching to Linux, 
> but he uses a handful of Windows-only apps.  Which brings me to my 
> question of which is better:
>
> 1 - Jumping headlong into 64-bit computing and the 64-bit edition of 
> Windows XP;
> 2 - 64-bit platform running 32-bit XP (which I have heard runs like 
> garbage, but only from one person)
> 3 - 64-bit platform running 64-bit Linux with 32-bit Windows XP under 
> VMWare.
> 4 - Trying desperately to find quality 32-bit hardware for 32-bit 
> Windows.
>
> (See, I mentioned Linux, so it's not completely inappropriate for the 
> list! :-) )
>
> All tips and advice are, as always, greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks!
> ~Brian