I'm currently using 64-bit Linux (with Audacity) most of the time, but I
do use 64-bit and 32-bit XP on 64-bit hardware from time to time. So
I'll try to answer these topics with the help of my past experiences
[hopefully with accuracy ;-)].
Gale Andrews wrote:
> Hi LRN - Yes the subject should better have been "running Audacity on
> 64 bit systems". I recall Richard told me that 64 bit Audacity has been
> built on Linux, and was a bit slower than 32 bit Audacity on 32 bit hardware.
>
That sounds like a better subject title.
It's true that the alignment matching the hardware makes somewhat faster
code, but I think what helps is that the wider pointers give
applications more memory to work with, especially if it's not virtual.
For example, XP32 only allows 2GB (or 3GB with a boot parameter
included) of addressable memory for applications, XP64 opens that up a
whole lot more. Makes a big difference when working with large amount
data that requires that much more memory for processing.
> I guess that may be covered by "Current versions of Audacity should run on
> 64-bit systems" and the "working sound card drivers" bit, though I suppose
> we could add "in principle". My casual impression of XP64 from the web
> is that it was unreliable and plagued by issues of non-existent/poor drivers,
> and I've seen some similar comments on the Forum, so Audacity might have
> problems on that score. I think it should run OK with decent sound card
> drivers.
>
>
When I use XP64, at first that was the kicker, lack of drivers. Now with
some exceptions (legacy hardware, companies eager to jump on the
Vista-and-leaving-XP-behind bandwagon, etc.), XP64 is getting support. A
Microsoft workaround would be to have a dual-boot system and use the
32-bit drivers in the 32-bit OS. I've never used a virtual OS, but that
would seem to work, too.
XP64 runs well with 32-bit applications also, just as long as you keep
32-bit drivers off. There are times where the 32-bit drivers do not
specify 32 or 64-bits and their installers will blindly do their evil
and that is when I had the unstabilities. Remove them and things work again.
> Well, if it's not overkill then, we could say:
>
> "...On Windows and Linux, working sound card drivers specific to the
> 64-bit operating system will be required. Upgrading from a 32-bit to
> 64-bit operating system can only be done on a 64-bit capable computer,
> and the sound card drivers must also be updated to a 64 bit version."
>
>
That should cover it and reduce further inquiries. If you think that is
too much information all at once, just split it up with smaller
questions and answers.
> I have not mentioned Mac. My understanding is that basically this just
> works in OS X 10.5 - if the Mac is 64 bit, 32 bit Audacity works whether
> the sound device is 32 bit or 64 bit. Corrections welcome though.
>
Can't help you there. You just making that one statement, already shows
you know more than I. :-D
> "Current versions of Audacity should run on 64-bit systems, and have been
> tested on 64-bit Windows Vista and Linux. On Windows and Linux, working
> sound card drivers specific to the 64-bit operating system will be required,
> so these must be updated if upgrading from a 32-bit to 64-bit operating
> system. Generally speaking, 64-bit systems will use more physical memory
> than 32-bit systems. Users upgrading from 32-bit Windows XP to 64-bit
> Windows Vista should take this and the increased system demands of Vista
> into account when considering Audacity's <a
> href="
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/windows#sysreq">system
> requirements</a>.
>
> Another suggestion for the last sentence (maybe better):
>
> "Users upgrading from 32-bit Windows XP to 64-bit Windows Vista should
> make especially sure their computer is well above Audacity's minimum
> <a href="
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/windows#sysreq">
> system requirements</a>.
>
>
Sounds good to me.
Hope that helps,
Dawson
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