Map 3d 2011 on 64 bit Windows 7

[jim.dahl]

I am considering upgrading to Windows 7 64 bit to gain access to more than 4GB memory. First of all is it more important to upgrade to windows 7 to utilize more than 4GB or is it the upgrade to 64 bit? Secondly, will Map utilize the 64 bit or just run as a 32 bit software as I see my other GIS software says? We are having problems with Cad 2011 running out of memory. Thanks for all input, as I hear some dreading the upgrade to 64 bit.
jim

[Glenn Pope]

First of all is it more important to upgrade to windows 7 to utilize more than 4GB or is it the upgrade to 64 bit?

It's the 64bit that gives you the access to more RAM. Windows 7 is the current and recommended version of Windows to run.

Secondly, will Map utilize the 64 bit or just run as a 32 bit software as I see my other GIS software says? We are having problems with Cad 2011 running out of memory.

There is a 64bit version of Map 3D 2011. Older versions will only run as 32bit.

Thanks for all input, as I hear some dreading the upgrade to 64 bit.

There are some issues with switching to 64bit. The biggest is hardware drivers. Check to make sure there is a 64bit version of the drivers. I believe there are issues if you use any custom VBA routines and databases. I'm not sure on the specifies on those last two since I don't really use any of those.

[jim.dahl]

I believe you confirmed what I thought about memory usage. I suppose I will verify If my 2011 Map DVD has a 64 bit installation. I plan on ordering a new computer with W7 64bit already to go so should have no driver issues, correct?

jim

[Jmurphy]

Along with what Glenn wrote, the biggest problem with 64 bit OS is if you use the DBConnect or database links. You need to have 64 bit drivers for links to work from MS Office Access databases or use the ODBC connections to them with FDO. This means you need to upgrade the MS Office suite as well or hack a few drivers. Then if you FDO connect to E$RI ArcSDE servers you need the 64 bit drivers/files as well.

[jim.dahl]

Wow, there is so much more to think about. How about if I upgrade to MS Office 2010? (I see you answered this). Would that change the drive issue? Luckily (or not) I do not use the FDO or linking.

[Jmurphy]

Wow, there is so much more to think about. How about if I upgrade to MS Office 2010? (I see you answered this). Would that change the drive issue? Luckily (or not) I do not use the FDO or linking.

If you upgrade to Office 2010 at the same time you should be ok, MS Office is 64 bit so everything will be ok.

[Glenn Pope]

I plan on ordering a new computer with W7 64bit already to go so should have no driver issues, correct?

Also have to think about any printers, scanners and any other external devices that you'll be connecting to this computer.

[jim.dahl]

I am expanding the question on the 64 bit OS. After talking with several Engineering firms that are running 64 and 32 I feel comfortable that we can do it also.

Does the 64 make more use of a Dual Processor?
Can you run some 32 apps in the "XP mode" or 32 bit mode then switch back to 64 bit mode?
With the newer Quad Core and Six Core Processors, is a Dual Processor needed?
Is there a Web site I can view that might give me more information?

Thanks for any comments.

Jim

[Glenn Pope]

Does the 64 make more use of a Dual Processor?

Not really. The difference is the support the OS will have for multi-core processors. XP supports them, but it was an addon. Windows 7 was built with multi-cores in mind. But you really wouldn't see a difference as an end user.

Can you run some 32 apps in the "XP mode" or 32 bit mode then switch back to 64 bit mode?

As long as the software can run on Windows XP, Vista or 7 then they will most likely run on the 64bit versions. Windows 7 64bit can run both 32 & 64bit simultaneously. You don't have to do anything. The only time you'll need "XP mode" will be for older software that wasn't designed to run on Vista or 7.

With the newer Quad Core and Six Core Processors, is a Dual Processor needed?

Don't really understand the question. Dual core processors are the low end. Eventually they will go the way of the single cores. Won't completely disappear, but will be regulated to computers for low power niche markets.