Important to note that this isn't a limitation of running Windows on a Mac, it's a limitation of Windows XP on any machine. It'll never see more than 3gb of RAM...
Actually, this is NOT TRUE. Windows XP does have a start switch which enables one to see and use more than 3GB if he has it.
Also, Vista RTM will see it IF your memory is configured as DUAL-CHANNEL (it must be matched sticks).
Vista SP1 will see and use it right off the bat.
HOWEVER, because of the limitations of 32-bit addressing, Windows cannot use more than 4GB (the limit for 32bit addresses), and must take PART Of the total physical memory to display video, make static buffers, etc. This is why under Vista x64, more than 4GB may be seen and used, since it uses 64-bit addressing. This is a limitation of 32-bit addressing, and will always be there if one uses a 32-bit Operating System, no matter WHO the OS belongs to.
So, it ISN'T a limit of Windows, per se. It is a limit of 32-bit arithmetic.
In ANY CASE, Windows is going to take part of physical ram to display the screen, etc. This is the case no matter WHICH OS one uses (including OSX).
The whole "problem" is a case of MISTAKEN thinking, not limitations of Windows. Windows uses 64bit addressing quite well, as long as the CPU is a 64bit CPU. It CAN'T use such addressing if the CPU is a 32bit CPU.
IF you have more than 4GB of RAM, you MUST use a 64bit CPU and OS if you want to use it all. This is true no matter WHO makes an OS.
Donald L McDaniel
SP4?? steady now
they have only released Sp1 havent they??
although i wouldnt recommend any windows OS since it will some try and take over the laptop, XP is probably the best way to go about it. to be honest XP isnt all that bad, but it depends what you need to do on it
Sir, to even RUN on your Apple laptop, Windows MUST Have exclusive control over the machine, so why you say Windows "will sometimes try to take over the laptop" is a real puzzler. Windows doesn't do it SOMETIMES, it does it EVERYTIME, or it simply won't run.
OSes WON'T share the machines they are installed on with other OSes. PERIOD. OS X will not share the machine with Windows, nor will Windows share the machine with OS X.
ONLY ONE OS can have control of the machine at any one time.
Please, try to educate yourself a little?
Donald L McDaniel
What about for gaming?
I have a late 07 24" IMac with 4gb ram, and the ATI 2600.
I'm currently running XP home, would I see improvements running Vista x64?
Thanks
My opinion is that you would see SOME improvement, IF you have 64-bit drivers for all your devices, and use 64-bit software exclusively. a 64bit OS is only as strong as its programs. IF you have no 64bit programs, it is being totally wasted. Not many folks are releasing 64bit programs right now, and the ones which are being released are extremely expensive (high-end media apps, mainly).
Otherwise, you won't see much improvement, other than in stability, since Vista is more stable than XP.
In any case, you will see improvement over XP, no matter which version of Vista (x32 vs. x64) you use. I would also make sure to use Vista Ultimate, rather than Home Premium or lesser.
It may be purchased for about $189US (System Builder Kit, which ANYONE may use). The RETAIL (boxed) version is NOT NECESSARY, unless you want to be able to move your license to a different machine if necessary.
Donald L McDaniel
