Windows XP x64, Promise and Reality

Vikingod · Aug 23, 2005, 01:48 PM

Shortly after the release of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Microsoft attempted to attract customers to the new version by offering a free Windows exchange program. Owners of Windows XP Professional could upgrade to x64 for free - the catch was that they had to trade-in their 32 bit license permanently.

Buying a pig in a poke does not make most people particularly comfortable, given that drivers for certain peripherals and older system devices still are in short supply. Scanners and multimedia devices such as webcams were sometimes left inoperative after making the x64 switch, because smaller manufacturers and the so-called "no names" often hesitate to port their drivers to Windows XP x64. One reason is limited resources; another is knowing that customers will likely buy a new product with x64 driver support if necessary.
__________
Read More/Source: Tom's Hardware Guide

Aug 23, 2005, 01:48 PM	#1
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	Windows XP x64, Promise and Reality Shortly after the release of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Microsoft attempted to attract customers to the new version by offering a free Windows exchange program. Owners of Windows XP Professional could upgrade to x64 for free - the catch was that they had to trade-in their 32 bit license permanently. Buying a pig in a poke does not make most people particularly comfortable, given that drivers for certain peripherals and older system devices still are in short supply. Scanners and multimedia devices such as webcams were sometimes left inoperative after making the x64 switch, because smaller manufacturers and the so-called "no names" often hesitate to port their drivers to Windows XP x64. One reason is limited resources; another is knowing that customers will likely buy a new product with x64 driver support if necessary. __________ Read More/Source: Tom's Hardware Guide