Computers arghhhhh.. 32 or 64, HDR arghh...

[Trowski]

As a computer science major I feel like I should contribute something to this thread... but I'm not sure there's much left. I'd probably just end up repeating things others have already said.


I use Macs because I can afford them, and with VMs I can run every other operating system I want. Currently I'm using Parallels Desktop 6, and I usually can't tell the difference between running Windows or Linux in the VM vs. rebooting the computer into the specific OS. As a computer scientist/programmer, I love Mac OS X because it's a POSIX OS (basically a version of Unix) and I can install almost anything that is built for Unix. I concentrate on web design, and it's great having Apache w/PHP, MySQL, memcached, etc. all ready to go, with the flexibility to install more as I need it.


I generally recommend Macs to those that can afford them because they can get the best of all worlds. I have nothing against PCs, I've owned and built several. I just prefer the flexibility, reliability, and ease of use.

Are you kidding me? 32GB for real? Haha you must have multiple very high end processors (6 cores or even more)in that case, plus I assume you're not working with normal HDD's, but multiple SSD's? Anyway you would have a lot of bottlenecks before you're even starting to use a part of all that memory.

While normal users really wouldn't use such a large(at this point) amount of RAM, there are a lot of reasons to have such a machine. High end database servers is one example, and it's nice knowing the consumer version of OS X actually could be used in this way. I dislike Microsoft's marketing tactic of having so many "flavors" of Windows. It seems to make it confusing for those that don't know much about computers, and force others to pay more for what they need.

[neuroanatomist]

I would have to say that I haven't seen a blue screen of death in my personal computer since Windows ME. I may just be lucky.

I see BSODs on work machines occasionally, but I think that's due to the large number of peripherals attached to them (e.g. one microscope computer will control the scope itself, a couple of laser modules, a motorized stage, 3-4 different cameras connected via Firewire or optical ports, etc., each with their own set of drivers and dll libraries).

Steering away from the "PORNO" and all.

I look at"dirty pictures" sometimes - when someone inadvertently uses immersion oil with an air or water objective. [:@] (Honestly, you'd think it would be easier to clean a lens with a front element that's less than one millimeter in diameter than a 77mm element on a zoom lens, but trust me, it's not!)

I do still have iphone envy though. [img]/emoticons/emotion-10.gif[/img] Those things are awesome. AT&T < Awesome

I do like my iPhone! But you're wrong about AT&T - they aren't "< Awesome" they are "<<<<< Awesome"! I really hope the rumors of a forthcoming Verizon iPhone are true, if only because it will ease the burden on AT&T's overloaded and under-designed network...



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I agree Apple looks nice, but it's way overpriced and let's say that their marketing part is the best there is,

Let's try an analogy - how about Apple : Computers :: Singh-Ray : Filters?
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[elmo_2006]

Apple or PC it

[HDNitehawk]

Are you kidding me? 32GB for real? Haha you must have multiple very high end processors (6 cores or even more)in that case, plus I assume you're not working with normal HDD's, but multiple SSD's? Anyway you would have a lot of bottlenecks before you're even starting to use a part of all that memory.

I think the point of my statement was that before windows 7, windows was limited to 4gb. Not that I have 32gb on mine or even need that much.


No matter how many PC's I have built...they still run windows. And if you like working on computers (not with) Windows is deffintley the way to go.

[Steve U]

Thank you all for your wise counsel.


While I have thought about it, I haven't had the guts to do it. I walk by the white fruity computers in the store and caually let my finger linger at the edge of the inviting keyboard.I just can't do it. I've spoken to guys who assure me that once you have done it you won't look back.But I bought this one, so it isn't an option.


A shiver ran down my spine as I was reading these posts, but if 64 bit Windows7actually works or reads at 32 and 64 than I will be OK. What infuriates me is that at no stage was the 64bit mentioned as an option and it was something that I didn't know about or understand.


It is just frustrating to have the thing reformatted and start from scratch again putting all the stuff back on it. Oh well it will be quicker the second time.


It's another learning opportunity. I didn't understand that whole VM business, that are few posters mentioned. Probably shouldn't go there.


Thanks again,


Steve

[HDNitehawk]

is just frustrating to have the thing reformatted and start from scratch again putting all the stuff back on it. Oh well it will be quicker the second time.


It's another learning opportunity. I didn't understand that whole VM business, that are few posters mentioned. Probably shouldn't go there.

Steve


VM = Virtual Machine...if I rember correctly that is what it stands for. It is just an option withMac that allows you to run Windows while you are running Mac.


You may have the option to save all the files you have put on the computer when you reload it with 64bit. You may not.


But if you need help while doing this,since you had somany window and computer Guru's that posted in this threadto defend windows, they should be able to give you some assistance. [:P]


Good Luck

[neuroanatomist]

Win7 is more robust than anything else that MS has put out there including - in my opinion Xp. I no longer have to reboot every other hour and can finally leave the *machine* up and running weeks on end and typically restart if installing an update or new driver of some sort....One will run into problems with drivers...

So, you mean with Win7 I could finally have a situation where I'd only have to reboot if I updated the OS or installed complex software? Gee, then it would be just like my Mac OS X experience!


Except......what are drivers?!? [:P]



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VM = Virtual Machine...if I rember correctly that is what it stands for. It is just an option withMac that allows you to run Windows while you are running Mac.

<div>More generic than that. A VM basically allows you to run a 'non-native' OS in the environment of the 'native' OS, i.e. Windows under Mac OS X, Linux under Windows or Mac OS X, etc.</div>
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[elmo_2006]

Win7 is more robust than anything else that MS has put out there including - in my opinion Xp. I no longer have to reboot every other hour and can finally leave the *machine* up and running weeks on end and typically restart if installing an update or new driver of some sort....One will run into problems with drivers...

So, you mean with Win7 I could finally have a situation where I'd only have to reboot if I updated the OS or installed complex software? Gee, then it would be just like my Mac OS X experience!


Except......what are drivers?!? [img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

LOL, in your case they are referred to as *Software Updates*

[HDNitehawk]

More generic than that. A VM basically allows you to run a 'non-native' OS in the environment of the 'native' OS, i.e. Windows under Mac OS X, Linux under Windows or Mac OS X, etc.

Ok


Hmmm who was it this morning that got the whole Apple vs Windows debate going.....[6]


On another note I am now at home....and for all the window users out there........my Mac Pro is still buggy and logs me out when I try and post on this forum....Mark One up for Windows

[Sheiky]

I think the point of my statement was that before windows 7, windows was limited to 4gb. Not that I have 32gb on mine or even need that much.

Thank goodness... for personal use this would be quite the power [] But you might have been a panorama junkie or something who likes to allign 100+ images at the same time or something [] But yes, your point is taken.

But if you need help while doing this,since you had somany window and computer Guru's that posted in this threadto defend windows, they should be able to give you some assistance. [img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

Well it is possible with windows 7, however it's not needed for most people since there are only a few programs that are only Mac- or other operating system-specific.


So Mac might not know drivers John, but windows doesn't need a VM [] And honestly drivers are pretty much a non-issue with W7 anyway.


Anyway Steve, I hope things turn out positive so you don't regret it.


Btw: Ben, I tried exporting in Lightroom and it uses allthe 4 cores/8 threads.... not just one.