What OS should I use?

[gigaxel]

What OS should I use?
Right now I use Windows xp and I am thinking about swithcing to windows7
Here are my specs:
e2140 1.6ghz overclocked to 2.4ghz
3gb of ddr2 ram
Nvidia GT 430 1gb DDR3
Seagete HDD 320 GB
400w PSU
And what version should I use ?

 

[xunicronx]

If money is not really an issue, I would go with Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (Retail Version $289.99). If money is sort of an issue, then Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (Retail Version $189.99) would be a good choice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006816%20600021083&IsNodeId=1&name=Retail

 

[gigaxel]

Would 32 bit run better for me then 64 bit

 

[constepatdyak]

If money is not really an issue, I would go with Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (Retail Version $289.99). If money is sort of an issue, then Windows 7 Home Premium x64 (Retail Version $189.99) would be a good choice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100006816%20600021083&IsNodeId=1&name=Retail

He doesnt need 64bit...he only has 3g ram so 32bit is fine

 

[JollyJay]

32bit Windows 7 home premium would be your best choice.

Unless you are planning on connection to a domain at some point, then Professional (or Ultimate) would be the right answer.

 

[geogolem]

Windows 8 comes out in October...

 

[ibboard]

Check the comparison charts - I'd go for Home Premium unless there is anything you *really* absolutely *must* *have* from a more expensive version. For most desktop users (including gaming) then anything above Home Premium is pointless.

As mentioned, if you're sticking with 3GB RAM then 32-bit is sufficient.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions#Comparison_chart

 

[gigaxel]

I have two Windows 7 versions Windows 7 home premium and Windows 7 Professional.Which one should I install

 

[constepatdyak]

well....just install the better one...professional

 

[xunicronx]

You could install Windows 7 Professional. All it has is just a few extra features that you may or may not need.

 

[mathew7]

He doesnt need 64bit...he only has 3g ram so 32bit is fine

Please stop spreading misinformation. 64-bit apps (if you can get them) can have speed benefits (think image/video processing, encryption). Even 20% depending on application.

Just because 4GB=2^32, it does not mean the CPU does not allow any access above. 32-bit Server versions of Windows allow using up to 64GB RAM (36-bits), with any CPU starting with Pentium Pro (1995 I believe). Because of fear of cheap drivers (PCI devices are still limited to 32-bits, so special handling is needed for 4+GB DMA operations), MS chose to artificially limit the desktop versions to 4GB. Using the DEP/NX-bit already has the CPU in the mode that allows 64GB RAM.

In short: if you use 32-bit apps, there will be no speed difference, but if you can get 64-bit apps, then 64-bit platform will be faster. Also, no matter what OS you are using, 32-bit individual apps will still be limited to 2/3GB (so using 32-bit apps in 64-bit windows on more than 4GB is beneficial when many RAM hungry apps are running simultaneously...i.e.: not for gaming).

So my comment is related to reccomendations of 32-bit only. The Home Premium/Pro/Ultimate comments are ok by me.
PS: the OP never mentioned the intended use, so I cannot deny the 64-bit platform (which currently is useless for gaming).

 

[xunicronx]

Please stop spreading misinformation. 64-bit apps (if you can get them) can have speed benefits (think image/video processing, encryption). Even 20% depending on application.

Just because 4GB=2^32, it does not mean the CPU does not allow any access above. 32-bit Server versions of Windows allow using up to 64GB RAM (36-bits), with any CPU starting with Pentium Pro (1995 I believe). Because of fear of cheap drivers (PCI devices are still limited to 32-bits, so special handling is needed for 4+GB DMA operations), MS chose to artificially limit the desktop versions to 4GB. Using the DEP/NX-bit already has the CPU in the mode that allows 64GB RAM.

In short: if you use 32-bit apps, there will be no speed difference, but if you can get 64-bit apps, then 64-bit platform will be faster. Also, no matter what OS you are using, 32-bit individual apps will still be limited to 2/3GB (so using 32-bit apps in 64-bit windows on more than 4GB is beneficial when many RAM hungry apps are running simultaneously...i.e.: not for gaming).

I agree with you. Constedpatdyak seems to be a douche. Everytime I try to give a recommendation to another person, he's always like "Don't do that or why would you do that, or he doesn't need that", blah, blah, blah. I'm not going to say anything to him. I don't feel like getting into an argument with a douche and getting banned. So I will just keep trying to give good advice. He's pretty annoying. I'm just going to ignore him.

 

[geogolem]

If you already own a 32-bit version of Windows and only have 3GB of ram... use that version you already own. If you are buying Windows.... buy the 64-bit version. I cant think of any reason to buy the 32-bit version these days... maybe if you have some 32-bit app that will not run properly in 64-bit windows because of some bug somewhere.. i dont know...

 

[bruce555]

If you already own a 32-bit version of Windows and only have 3GB of ram... use that version you already own. If you are buying Windows.... buy the 64-bit version. I cant think of any reason to buy the 32-bit version these days... maybe if you have some 32-bit app that will not run properly in 64-bit windows because of some bug somewhere.. i dont know...

Agreed, it would be asinine not to go with 64bit. Just no reason not too. Is he going to stay with 3Gb forever? I think not.

 

[mcopinger]

I was thinking the same thing as Bruce, if this guy is looking to upgrade his OS surely one day he may bump up his RAM to +4gigs... no reason not to get the 64 version. premium or professional. I got premium but kinda am kicking myself for not spending the extra couple bucks for pro as now I want a raid array haha... make your descesion between premium and pro, not 32 and 64.

 

[geogolem]

Agreed. 32-bit Windows shouldn't even be considered for purchase. The issue is between PRO or Premium.

I like PRO over premium because of the ability to host an RDP (remote desktop session). Ultimate is a waste of money IMO. Take a look at the following page and if you see things you might/will use in PRO that aren't in Premium buy PRO otherwise buy Premium.
http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-7-whats-the-difference-between-the-editions

Also take a look at the following table for Windows 8 editions: http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx

Notice Windows 8 (non Pro) can only upgrade from Windows 7 (non-pro, non ultimate). So that could influence your decision as well though not likely.

You could always buy Windows 7 Home Premium now and Windows 8 Pro Upgrade in the future and you would end up in the same spot except would have saved some money.

 

[captaincharisma]

also he could have 4GB of ram but because of the 32-bit os he doesn't know he does

 

[captaincharisma]

Agreed. 32-bit Windows shouldn't even be considered for purchase. The issue is between PRO or Premium.

I like PRO over premium because of the ability to host an RDP (remote desktop session). Ultimate is a waste of money IMO. Take a look at the following page and if you see things you might/will use in PRO that aren't in Premium buy PRO otherwise buy Premium.
http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-7-whats-the-difference-between-the-editions

Also take a look at the following table for Windows 8 editions: http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/04/16/announcing-the-windows-8-editions.aspx

Notice Windows 8 Pro can only upgrade from Windows 7 pro or ultimate. So that could influence your decision as well.

home premium also has remote desktop

 

[geogolem]

home premium also has remote desktop

Sorry I believe this statement is incorrect. Home premium has remote desktop (client) but it cannot host an RDP session. Only Pro and Ultimate have that feature.

 

[captaincharisma]

it is technically incorrect. i forgot i never did remote into my laptop before just from my laptop to my desktop with the corp version of windows 7 on it. but there is a hack around to enable it on home premium

 

[mobrocket]

if u already have Win 7 Pro install that

that is the edition my school uses and that msft gives out to me as a college student