Thread: Win 7 - A Mac owner's perspective

I feel like I should clear up a few things about 32bit vs 64bit.

Windows XP/Vista/7 all have a 4GB memory limit for 32bit. In order for the user to use all 4GB of the RAM Physical Address Extension (PAE) needs to be enabled. Normally on a 32bit system with 4GB of RAM the OS holds a certain amount of memory to itself for I/O operations as well as gpu memory mapping. With PAE and 4GB of RAM the OS will not hold that memory back and will allow the user to use most of it for program use. There will still be a small amount that will not be usable, but it's not much IIRC. This is also how 32bit Server OS's get around the 4GB memory limit, as Server 2003/2008 32bit can use up to 32GB of RAM (again, IIRC). I think Datacenter 2003/2008 32bit actually ups the limit to 64GB. Oh, and 64bit Windows Vista/7 Ultimate can use up to 128GB RAM, I believe that Home Premium is limited to 16GB.

The other thing to take into consideration is that running a 32bit program in a 64bit OS does use more RAM than if you ran the same program in a 32bit OS. It gets a little complicated to explain (and I wouldn't be the best one to explain it) but it has to do with the memory management of the OS. Most of the time it's not a huge difference, but the bigger the program you're using the more "overhead" there is running a 32bit app on a 64bis OS. If you have 4GB+ it's not likely anything you'll need to worry about. Honestly, unless you're dead set on using some older program that just *won't* work on a 64bit OS I see no reason to continue to use 32bit. Memory is dirt cheap, there's no reason not to have 4GB in most systems unless you're on an extremely tight budget. 64bit versions of Vista and Win 7 run faster and more stable from my experience as well, so that's another reason to stick with 64bit.


As far as everything elgrecomac mentioned in post #3, there are alot of things that are just personal preferences. I have very little experience on a Mac, but from what I have I felt much more comfortable on a PC. But then again, I've been using PC's for about 15 years and have spent very little time on Mac's. I honestly don't even like the idea of virtual desktops personally, I'd rather have everything on one screen so I know what's running. Win 7 has great memory management, but I still don't like leaving things running when I don't need to. As far as BSOD's, I've yet to have a single one. I have been running Win 7 since build 6801 on two machines and have never had the OS hang on either my laptop or desktop. Apps yes, OS no. I had the same experience with Vista (I did get one BSOD but that's because I OC'd the memory too high), the OS never froze or BSOD'd on me. As far as making networking easier, it's all about what you're used to. For me it's ridiculously easy to network a few home computers together and share printers. If I tried it on a Mac I'd probably get frustrated, since I have never done it before.

I personally have nothing against Mac's, I think Apple makes a good OS. It's just not what I would prefer to use. Plus there's the whole gaming part.

Ok, I seriously have to get back to work now.

excellent post camride, sorry to rain on mac boy's parade, but the mac op sys isn't a better choice for nav, and isn't a very sensible setup. i do have experience on mac's, and i find them very inconvenient to navigate. actually there are several features of the mac os, that i find annoying. the only feature on a mac that i prefer over a pc, is the mouse. the one, two or three finger functions are cool, and i get very frustrated with the sensitivity of my pc mouse, moving my cursor all over the place when i try to type, and my hand accidentally touches it. also, i have several friends with very nice, new mac's, and we sit side by side, and complete task's just to see which computer and op sys is faster and easier to use, and i have yet to see a mac perform as well as my hp pavilion dv9700. i navigate faster, the computer loads apps faster, and my screen looks much nicer than theirs do. and my pc, was cheaper than their mac's, although not by much, it is still cheaper. you sound very arrogant coming on here and trying to disguising your arrogance with a slightly benevolent review of 7. if you learn how to use 7, you might have a different perspective. you can type almost anything into the start menu and get it quickly. so as far as you or your daughter's comments about navigating 7, it sounds more like lack of knowledge and operator error to me.

Ha Ha, Mac Cookbook!!

It is my opinion that the notebook manufacturers have done the computer buying public a disservice
by calling notebook computers "laptops".

It could and probably lead some users to believe that a notebook computer can and maybe even should be used in the lap. With some/most models this can be disastrous. Block the airflow of any computer and component temps will skyrocket. I've seen TV shows where someone uses a notebook while it is resting on a bed, sofa or on a carpet, another sure recipe for disaster.

A "laptop" is a portable computer and should be used on a flat, hard surface that doesn't block airflow.

I'd hate to think what would happen to the Mac the OP is talking about if it were used on a soft surface like a bed etc.

I know a some folks would disagree, including some folks here, but I won't subject my notebook computer to such abuse.

Since mine is being used as a "desktop replacement", I have mine sitting on an aluminum stand (designed for the Mac but works well with my Acer) that raises it above the desktop a couple of inches and angles it upward slightly from the back.

This promotes better airflow and the aluminum material works as a heatsink.

Using an app called "core temp" I can monitor my CPU and HDD temps and the hottest I've ever seen my CPU is 188 degrees F (this while doing full screen video) and HDD temps top out at 136 degrees F.
Intel says 212 degrees F is max for the Core 2 Duo (merom).

The outside of the case gets warm but not hot.

I live in Nevada in a small apartment that gets sun all day so my apartment's ambient temps are on the warm side
in the late afternoon. Running a floor fan helps but the high ambient temps make it more difficult to keep my machine "cool".

I'm getting a 5000 BTU A\C unit installed Monday that will likely reduce operating temps greatly.

Heat is a computer killer.

Originally Posted by fjgold

Ha Ha, Mac Cookbook!!

It is my opinion that the notebook manufacturers have done the computer buying public a disservice
by calling notebook computers "laptops".

It could and probably lead some users to believe that a notebook computer can and maybe even should be used in the lap. With some/most models this can be disastrous. Block the airflow of any computer and component temps will skyrocket. I've seen TV shows where someone uses a notebook while it is resting on a bed, sofa or on a carpet, another sure recipe for disaster.

A "laptop" is a portable computer and should be used on a flat, hard surface that doesn't block airflow.

I'd hate to think what would happen to the Mac the OP is talking about if it were used on a soft surface like a bed etc.

I know a some folks would disagree, including some folks here, but I won't subject my notebook computer to such abuse.

Since mine is being used as a "desktop replacement", I have mine sitting on an aluminum stand (designed for the Mac but works well with my Acer) that raises it above the desktop a couple of inches and angles it upward slightly from the back.

This promotes better airflow and the aluminum material works as a heatsink.

Using an app called "core temp" I can monitor my CPU and HDD temps and the hottest I've ever seen my CPU is 188 degrees F (this while doing full screen video) and HDD temps top out at 136 degrees F.
Intel says 212 degrees F is max for the Core 2 Duo (merom).

The outside of the case gets warm but not hot.

I live in Nevada in a small apartment that gets sun all day so my apartment's ambient temps are on the warm side
in the late afternoon. Running a floor fan helps but the high ambient temps make it more difficult to keep my machine "cool".

I'm getting a 5000 BTU A\C unit installed Monday that will likely reduce operating temps greatly.

Heat is a computer killer.

I use my laptop on my bed and on the floor(carpeted) just use my fanned cooler, you could use it as a LAPtop if you just invest in one, totally worth it because it lengthens the life of your laptop overall.

this is why my desktop has four 120mm Thermaltake fans (two as intake on the front, one exhaust on back and side) and two 140mm Apevia fans on top (one intake one exhaust) keeps my Phenom II 940 under 90F and my case at about 80F at idle. goes up to about 130F/95F max load.

wish i could say the same for my Asus EeePC 1008HA....