The difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7

Windows 7 is the third Microsoft operating system that supports 64-bit processors. Although the 32-bit version of Windows is still the most popular and offers the best application local compatibility, 64-bit hardware and software are available. When upgrading to Windows 7

Windows 7 is the third Microsoft operating system that supports 64-bit processors. Although the 32-bit version of Windows is still the most popular and offers the best application local compatibility, 64-bit hardware and software are available. When upgrading to Windows 7, it's important to understand the potential benefits of 64-bit versus 32-bit so that you can choose the right platform.

The new 64-bit version of LabVIEW 2009 can be downloaded from ni.com, the first to provide local compatibility with 64-bit operating systems (Windows Vista and Windows 7 only) The version of LabVIEW. Measurement applications running locally on 64-bit hardware and software can use more physical memory than 32-bit systems, which is good for applications that process large amounts of continuous data. Being able to access more memory can easily improve system performance by avoiding the need to swap out programs to swap out page files stored on the hard disk (much slower than physical memory and cache). In addition to adding physical memory, more registers on 64-bit processors can be written up to 20% faster depending on how the code is written. However, only LabVIEW core software, the NI Machine Vision Development Module, and the latest NI drivers provide direct support for 64-bit Windows versions. Indirect support for 32-bit versions of applications is made possible by Windows (WoW) emulation on Windows; however, this reduces execution speed and performance.

Create test and measurement applications is used to analyze large data sets, which means a high channel count systems and fast acquisition rates, they can be from 64 to replace The version of Windows 7 benefits. However, most LabVIEW applications do not benefit directly from the replacement to the 64-bit version.

Use Windows 7, LabVIEW applications running contains four parallel loops on a quad-core system compared to Windows XP, you can get up to 10% performance increase .

Microsoft operating system support life cycle

Because Microsoft in June 2008 officially ended sales of Windows XP The introduction of Windows 7 has special significance. Windows XP has been the most popular operating system on the market since its release nine years ago. A recent survey of NI customers shows that more than 80% said their test and measurement applications are still running on Windows XP, and less than 10% have already used Windows Vista. With the advent of Windows 7, customers have the opportunity to upgrade their old PC measurement hardware, leveraging the latest multi-core processors and bus technology including PCI Express for higher throughput and improved overall system performance.

Make sure the hardware and software compatibility

Microsoft made it clear that Windows Vista device drivers can work properly under 7 in Windows, and No new compatibility requirements are introduced for the driver model. This policy is designed to avoid compatibility issues faced by users who first came out of Windows Vista. (Many generic driver does not work or can not be installed.)

In addition to compatibility mode option (let the application think they are running older versions of Windows), Microsoft uses the new virtualization technology in Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate to avoid the risk of software not running in Windows 7. Using the new Windows 7 mode (called Windows XP mode), users can emulate the popular Windows XP operating system. This gives LabVIEW programmers the easiest way to run old applications, ensuring compatibility with legacy applications.