Microsoft is closing the doors on all 32–bit versions of Windows after Server 2008 ships later this year. This announcement came during the second day of WinHEC as Microsoft posted an updated version of their Windows Server shipment schedule:
Image via Todd Bishop
This move to 64–bit operating systems will definitely be for the better, even thought the transition probably won’t be pretty. I can already picture it now when home users go out to purchase the next version of Windows only to find out that their computers aren’t capable of running it. The result could be quite a nightmare, and probably similar to the experiences of switching from 16–bit (ex. Windows 3.11) to 32–bit (ex. Windows 95).
64–bit computing definitely has its benefits, but the transition will take some time and cause a lot of headaches. The hardest thing for most people when switching to 64–bit Windows are finding compatible drivers for their hardware. Software applications can typically be started in a “compatibility mode” that gives 32–bit applications the ability to run in 64–bit Windows, but the same thing cannot be done for drivers. This means that the operating system either has to include all of the drivers you need, or the device manufacturer needs to produce the necessary drivers. Up to now there has really been no motivation for these device manufacturers to develop the drivers, but now that they know what the future has in store for them they might start shifting their priorities.
Also at WinHEC, WinFuture.de managed to snap an image of Vista Service Pack 1 running on one of the PC’s:
Mary Jo Foley was starting to think that Microsoft might not even ship a service pack for Vista after all the talk about how great the Windows Updates were. This sighting at least shows that they are thinking about creating a Service Pack 1 even though a list of enhancements and a release date is still not available.
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Tags: Software, Windows, Apple, Downloads, Microsoft, Screenshots, Windows Vista, Windows Vista SP1, WinHEC
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Wait a minute. The road map is for Windows Server. Not too many home user run the server edition of Windows.
Microsoft has held onto legacy code for over 10 years simple because of the hassle it would be for consumers who own older hardware to upgrade (the reason for a five year wait for Vista). There is no way they would switch the Home Edition unless they could get tens-of-thousands of drivers ready for the OS including drivers for older hardware. That would not be an easy or cheap task for Microsoft or hardware vendors. It would have to offer a near seamless transition for consumers and that’s something that’s not going to happen anytime soon.
The map is indeed for the server version, as stated in the introductory paragraph. However, the statement Microsoft made regarding ALL future Windows operating systems was that there will be no more 32-bit Windows after Server 2008. They said that included both the server and home line of Windows products.
I wonder if they’ll dump a lot of that legacy code and give us a leaner and faster OS.
I have a 64bit processor now, but still use a 32bit OS. All of my hardware, except maybe a webcam and an old digital camera, do have 64bit drivers available too, but its the software and games that keep me back too for now. Yes most 32bit applications can be run in compatibility mode and etc, but, even then, a lot of 32bit applications still don’t run on 64bit or have minor to massive problems doing so.
And dump support for 5.25″ floppy support?
Never!!!!!!!!!!
Seems Microsoft is taking back their words
http://apcmag.com/6121/windows.....rsion_itis
Well, looks like you’re right CoryC…in a way. As Nathan pointed out Microsoft did say that they haven’t decided whether there will be future versions of 32-bit Windows for home use:
http://windowsvistablog.com/bl.....lient.aspx
Hey, good things come on big floppies.