StevertThe "technical" advantage is that the 64-bit machine can address more memory. You aren't limited to the 3.something Gigs that a 32-bit operating system is limited to.
The value in having all that memory is so you can run a bunch of applications at the same time like multi tab browsers, spreadsheets, database programs... A single instance of JMRI will not see any benefit to running on the 64-bit OS.
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Ken,
I would *strongly* urge you to reconsider using XP. It's no longer supported by Microsoft or by Oracle (Java).
A valid Win7 license isn't going to cost more than XP, and you get the advantage of support, security and stability updates, etc.
It was also recently announced by Microsoft that users of valid copies of Win7 and Win8.1 would get a free upgrade to Win10 (for the first year), so with Win7 you're also future-proofing your investment.
And no, I don't work for Microsoft. But I've spent 40+ years in the IT industry and have seen first-hand the grief that unsupported software (and hardware) can cause...
BTW, I use JMRI with the 64-bit version of Win7 and have never had any issues.
I have also installed and used Java, JMRI, and Digitrax's SoundLoader software on the 64-bit version of the Win10 Technical Preview. It worked equally well there.
carl425 In the case of a computer dedicated to JMRI, what is the value of running a 64-bit version of Windows vs 32-bit?
In the case of a computer dedicated to JMRI, what is the value of running a 64-bit version of Windows vs 32-bit?
Computer I am getting is from a fellow Model Railroader. Far as prices, for what he is doing to it for me egg head would be a waste of money. The machine can take up to 8 gigs of ram, but XP will only handel 3.25 gigs unless I go with a 64 bite OP system. Do I need 8 gigs of ram, no. But then again I don't need a 440 with a GMC 6-71 blower either!
Guess I will play it safe and go with the 32 bite version, I all ready run it.
Ken
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Jacktal I too am having an issue with Decoder Pro.I can't run it on my new W8 computer...a Java issue it seems,even with the newest Java version.Does anyone have an idea?I'm no computer expert...
I too am having an issue with Decoder Pro.I can't run it on my new W8 computer...a Java issue it seems,even with the newest Java version.Does anyone have an idea?I'm no computer expert...
The place to ask is the JMRI mailing list (yahoo groups), if you haven't already. The developers are there and someone can give you guidance.
Be sure to include as much diagnostic info as you can, just read some of the messages related to troubleshooting and you should see an example of what to include.
I ran JMRI on an XP Pro box with no problems.
If you really want to know what you need, see the JMRI website as there will be system requirements published. Basically anything "recent" will have no issues.
If you are looking at buying a computer, get something running win7, as XP is no longer supported, and Java will not be updated for XP anymore.
Look around, you can probably get a refurbished computer with win7 for a reasonable price.
rrinker I would at least move to Win 7. XP 64 bit was kind of rare in the wild and has more compatibility issues - since very little software is actually 64 bit still. Check a place like Newegg, you can get refurb business grade systems for under $150. Here's one example - and it comes with Windows 7 64-bit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883281292 That machine would run JMRI just fine, more than fine actually. You can add more memeory cheaply. There are actually many listed under $100 that would be plenty for JMRI. If you don't like HP, there are Dell and Lenovo systems as well, same prices. ---Randy
I would at least move to Win 7. XP 64 bit was kind of rare in the wild and has more compatibility issues - since very little software is actually 64 bit still.
Check a place like Newegg, you can get refurb business grade systems for under $150. Here's one example - and it comes with Windows 7 64-bit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883281292
That machine would run JMRI just fine, more than fine actually. You can add more memeory cheaply. There are actually many listed under $100 that would be plenty for JMRI. If you don't like HP, there are Dell and Lenovo systems as well, same prices.
---Randy
I like this advice. IMO, unless there is some extraordinary circumstance, buying a new XP machine is a waste of money. Microsoft ended support for XP last year.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows/end-support-help
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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From now on all future release of JMRI need Java v1.8 to run. If you try to install Java 1.8 on an XP machine you will have a message that this version of Java will not install on XP. Some did install Java 1.8 nevertheless on XP but maybe in the long run problems will arise.
Jack W.
Thinking about up grading my computer. I still like XP a lot, but I want a dual core machine that will use 64 bite. I can get XP Pro that is 64 bite but does JMRI support it? Kind of a odd ball far as op systems.
It is a used machine, but at a very fair prices.
Cuda Ken