These systems will allow users to address more memory (RAM), to do more with and / or speedup video editing, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).

About 4 years ago when Windows release Windows XP 64 bit I was eager to jump on the 64 bit bus (pun intended), since then I have learned a few things I want you to consider before hopping on that bus.

First of all, let’s take a look at the difference between 32 and 64 bit systems. In the most basic terms we are talking about how much information the computer can process each cycle of its clock. 64 bits of architecture is not just double that of 32 bit, so saying that a 64 bit system could be twice as fast, move twice the data just really is not correct, it is closer to exponentially faster. This occurs because more data is moved at the same speed. Think of a 32 bit system as using cars to move people around town (the motherboard). A 64 bit system would be using the same number of busses as there were cars, to move the same data. This allows fewer drivers (header packets), more data to be moved per packet and less congestion on the roads, or motherboard in this case.

In order to keep things simple, we will only discuss memory here. A 32 bit system can handle up to 3.2GB of RAM. So basically that is all the RAM or memory a 32 bit system will see. You would normally install 4GB of RAM and only see the 3.2 give or take depending on the hardware (motherboard and CPU) and your video configuration (on board or an add-on card).

A 64 bit system could hold a lot more RAM, so much in fact we could not comprehend it (about 16.2 thousand terabytes). To solve the mathematical problems of RAM, each manufacturer has made some different concessions on the maximum amount of RAM their hardware can hold or use in a 64 bit environment. Processors from AMD and Intel can support this full amount but the chipset on the motherboard is what limits the system. Right now Intel documents say it is set at 1 terabyte of RAM for its maximum; however I have only seen test using 192GB of RAM, still, that is a lot more than 4GB. Another issue is the availability and cost of larger denomination RAM sticks. As of this writing one stick of 4 GB of RAM is 15 to 20% higher than two sticks of 2GB at crucial and even though they show 8GB sticks on their web site, you cannot actually get to a page with pricing or availability. This creates quite an issue with anyone installing 192GB on their system at this time.

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s dig a little deeper. While you might have a 64 bit hardware system, remember that it can only hold as much memory as the operating system that is installed and versa visa. Thus if you have a current PC that uses a 32 bit CPU and motherboard, installing a 64 bit operating system (O/S) will do nothing for you and for the gamers who bought a 64 bit hardware system and want to upgrade from XP or Vista 64 bit, installing Windows 7 32 bit will not help you in any way. In either case you will be back to limiting yourself to 4 GB of RAM.

Alright so you have purchased 64 bit hardware and Windows 7 64 bit, now what? Well, the vast majority of software is still 32 bit, Microsoft Office (and all office suites that I know of) is still 32 bit, the internet does not care about 8, 16, 32 or 64 bit architecture so that does not make a difference. Even though there are a few (very few) 64 bit drivers for printers and scanners, a lot of investigation turned up that they are still printing and scanning at the same speeds. This means that unless you have specific software that uses 64 bit there is no need to have it. Office will still only see and use a maximum of 4 GB of memory and it will not run any faster, as a matter of fact, in my test it actually ran slower. I will get into that in a moment. If you do have a video editing program or use a CAD or CAM program (yes, I am sure there are others, these are just what I run into) then those programs may have a 64 bit version that can take advantage of the 64 bit architecture.

So are you off and running to the local PC shop to get a new 64 bit system yet? Not just yet I hope there is a little more you need to know. 64 bit operating systems require more code and thus require more memory (just like the bus in our earlier example needs more space on the road than a car), so does a 64 bit system. The 64 bit versions of your anti-virus, Internet Explorer, printer drivers and of course the main program that you purchased 64 bit for all need more memory than their 32 bit counterparts. What this means up front is that you will need more base memory with a 64 bit system than a 32 bit system. So exactly how much memory do you need? To be honest I have not figured it out mathematically by comparing exact brand products on 32 and 64 bit systems; however the consensus seems to be 4 GB on a 32 bit system is the same as 6 GB of memory on a 64 bit system. I think that is quite high, the operating system and anti-virus might be using 500MB more but I am not buying that it needs a full extra 2GB.

So, have I talked you out of a 64 bit computer yet? I hope not! There are major advantages if you have the programs that can take advantage of the enhancements that 64 bit systems offer. An example from my personal life is a home video I compiled took 8 hours and two tries to complete (8 hours the 2nd try). The first try failed because I started it before bed one night and Microsoft Updates ran and in their infinite wisdom Microsoft forced a reboot that completely crashed and killed the compile process. When fussing about this to an acquaintance who is a “video guy”, he suggested we try it on his 64 bit system. His system was slightly slower (2 GHz compared to my 2.26) and we had the same amount of RAM. On his system it only took 2 hours.

It is my conclusion that the individual who makes home movies 2 or 3 times in a year and then not for another year or two should not stress about purchasing a new 64 bit system, however for the business that makes money and relies on videography or CAD/CAM systems, the benefits of increased turn around on jobs, bigger and more reliable processes and of course less employee cost, the saving could be huge in the first month, let alone over the course of the life of a good computer.

Well, that is enough jabbering for now, until we meet again, have a virus free week!

Small business owners can take advantage of this package and grow their businesses. The reason I write about this is that some benefits specifically apply to technology purchases and others are “for the bottom line” which means capital for needed equipment (like technology).

The package extends a tax deduction that allows small businesses to deduct up to $250,000 a year in new equipment purchases including technology (laptops, desktops, servers, network security, software upgrades…). Section 179 of the tax code allows small businesses to take a deduction for equipment purchases in one tax year instead of over the life of the equipment (usually 5 to 7 years).

The law also keeps in place the 50 % bonus depreciation President Bush put into place in 2008. Say you buy $500,000 in equipment this year (2009), $250,000 can be immediately deducted with section 179 mentioned above, plus another $125,000 (1/2 of the balance) can be deducted this year also because of the “bonus”. It is my understanding the remaining balance ($125,000 in this example) would be depreciated over the useful life of the equipment.

Both of the above should allow any of you who need new equipment and especially new or upgraded technology to write off in full or almost full the cost this year.

There is one more section that may help, another part of this Act allows businesses that lost money in 2008 to “carry back” that loss to their prior year’s tax returns by amending returns up to five years back. Previously this could be done up to two years back. This does only apply to those who have $15 million or less in gross income.

Since I am not a “tax” lawyer or professional (CPA), this is just my reading the law to you, see your tax professional(s) on how this could help you, and remember this is a government program, there are loopholes, rules and exceptions out the wazoo just to keep some of us from gathering the benefits.

Oh, if you do decide to spend some of that capital, IFix Computers in Beautiful Branson Missouri (417) 337-7184 would be more than willing to help you with professional advice on hardware and software that will benefit your business.

Until we meet again, have a virus free week!

During my research I came across the PC Magazine article and I feel it pretty much hits the spot, so here is the link.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2345579,00.asp

RAM is where your computers operating system (Windows), your programs (like e-mail, word processors and databases) and your data (the Great American Novel you have been working on) are stored when the computer is on and you are working with them.

Even though many computers suffer from bog downs created by unneeded files, spyware, worms and other “stuff”, you can have all that clean and still need more RAM. To figure out exactly what you need would take a personal visit and time watching your computing habits however, there are some great rules of thumb to go by. The following is the chart that I use based on over 20 years of experience in this industry.

Every operating system is different and faster processors (CPU) do make a difference.

Windows 95 256MB*                                    Windows NT  256MB

Windows 98/98SE 256MB*               Windows 2000 512MB

Windows ME 512MB*                      Windows XP Home or Pro 1024MB

Vista Home Basic/Premium 1024MB Vista Business or Ultimate 2048MB

*These versions of Windows have a maximum useable limit of 512MB due to VCache virtual address space. Video cards use this space too so subtract the size of your video card from the 512MB to get the maximum you can utilize. If you have a 64MB add on video card you should put no more than 448MB of additional RAM. As usual there is a workaround, however everything I have tried and read shows a loss of performance instead of increase in performance.

I do not recommend using Windows 95, 98, ME or NT because of the severe lack of security software and hardware support. If you own a computer using any of these versions of Windows you should seriously consider NOT getting on the internet with it.

The next thing I want to discuss is the purchase of RAM. DON’T BUY IT FROM YOUR LOCAL ELECRTONICS SUPERSTORE OR OFFICE SUPPLY! They sell “generic” RAM which may or may not work and they will not let you return opened, installed and tested RAM.

ONLY BUY MODEL SPECIFIC RAM FOR YOUR COMPUTER! I cannot over emphasize this. With the wrong RAM, at best, your computer might not see it. From there things only get worse. The PC could lockup during boot, or it could lockup at random times. These are the times when the additional RAM is being used.

I ONLY buy Crucial memory (www.crucial.com) however, I have plenty of friends in the industry that purchase Kingston memory (www.kingston.com) and a few buy the great overclockers RAM such as OCZ, Corsair, Mushkin and GEil. These are more expensive and I do not recommend mixing them with your existing RAM. Whatever your choice, go to the RAM manufacturers web site, enter your computer model and type (or motherboard information if yours is a custom unit) and follow the prompts to get the exact part number of RAM you need. Now you can search the internet or the Mega Stores for the best deal on the correct memory.

A great benefit of visiting the RAM manufacturer’s web site (notice that I did not say computer manufacturers) they all tell you how much RAM your specific computer can use. This way if you know you have 128 MB in your system and the web site states that your computer has two slots for RAM and holds a Maximum of 512, you can gather that each slot can hold a stick of 256 MB. Now you know you can order a 128 for a total of 256 or purchase a 256 and have a total of 384. This also prevents you from purchasing a 512MB stick of RAM only to find that even though it physically fits your computer, it won’t work in your computer.

Well that’s all the investigating we need for this mission so buckle up in that Aston Martin, upgrade that RAM, out run those Worms and have a virus free day!

I am not going discuss how to install RAM here. It is a simple procedure that requires precautions. Don’t pay any more than $15 to have RAM installed if you bring it in to someone, this is a 5 minute job at the most. If someone comes out to your home or office, that is another matter entirely.

http://techdirt.com/articles/20070302/171131.shtml