Will all my programs work on 64 bit?

[Rconce01]

Hi

 

I'm in the process of purchasing a new computer and I don't know much. So I got a few questions: Can I install any and all programs that I have right now on my current 32 bit opperating system on a 64 bit system? I have a server with three other computers and we share a printer, will that be a problem?

 

I do vehicle wraps and wide format printing, so I work with files that are up to 2 gbs. I use photoshop CS3, Illustrator CS3, InDesign CS3 and CorelDraw. When working on a box truck that measures 24-26 Ft long by 8 ft tall, theres alot to put on the artwork. Which is when now I start to feel the slowness of my current PC. What specs do you guys think I should get on my new PC?

 

Thanks

[pantas]

Let me be the first to tell you that not all your current programs will run "properly" on a 64-bit platform.

You mentioned using the Adobe Creative Suite, this in particular was not written with 64-bit architecture in mind, and probably will never be done like that. It will work on a 64-bit system but be wary of some crashes in the more advanced applications, as far as phtoshop is concerned, you should have no problem using that.

As for networking and printer sharing, there is no problem as long as the printer has 64-bit drivers or is one in a pretty generic series of printers that Windows supports.

Almost all of your hardware would need 64-bit drivers to run properly so you might want to think over moving onto the 64-bit platform... make sure you have driver support first.

[lambros]

I run CS3 without a problem on 64bit vista, but I do not know about corel

[Rconce01]

ok thanks i will look into the drivers for the vinyl cutter and the printer first

[AJLynn]

CS3 on XP64 is fine, but like he said, drivers are key. You can go to 8GB RAM but the 32-bit apps won't be able to use it all - still, I'd recommend it, as Windows will use it anyway. CS4 will probably be 664-bit so you'll be prepared for that as well.

 

As far as specs, for working in CS3 what you want is the fastest per-core speed you can get. Rendering will use all the cores you've got but CS3 won't, so unless you're also using this as a render box don't bother with dual Xeons, get a fast Quad or even a really fast Duo.

[SandmanNinja]

I put CS3 suite on my WinXP64 machine with 8 gigs of ram and Photoshop loads and works SO MUCH quicker and more efficiently.

 

I opened 50 massive photos in it and the ram meter climbed to over 3 gigs and all of my action scripts worked quickly and speedily on each photo.

 

On 32-bit XP Pro, the scripts would be HORRIBLY slow with all those photos loaded, plus after a certain point, the photos themselves would load slower and slower.

 

Not so with WinXP64