Assessing the Engineering Impact of Microsoft’s Windows Vista
More than five years in the making, Microsoft’s new operating
system will benefit researchers—depending on the area of specialty.
Engineers and scientists increasingly use commercial off-the-shelf PC technology
in both research and industry to bring new products to market faster and at lower
costs. As a result, the introduction of new PC technologies often has unforeseen
and potentially disruptive consequences. No new technology promises to cause more
change than the release of Microsoft’s Windows Vista, the first major Windows
release in over half a decade. In early 2007, PC manufacturers will begin pre-installing
Windows Vista on all new Windows PCs.
While Windows Vista contains hundreds of new features and notable changes, one key aspect of Windows Vista likely to affect engineers and scientists is the availability of both a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version. While a 64-bit version of Windows is not entirely revolutionary (there was a 64-bit version of Windows XP), Windows Vista marks the first time that a 64-bit version of Windows will be widely available.
The impact of the 64-bit version of Windows Vista, known as Windows Vista x64, on engineering and scientific applications is not widely understood. Considering whether or not to use the 64-bit edition requires understanding the differences between the two versions and the potential impact on your application.
Making the choice 64-bit operating systems are a logical step in the evolution of the PC, but explaining why requires some background information. Often the maximum size of the physical memory on a computer is less than the amount needed for all running programs. This is especially true when multiple processes or applications execute simultaneously. The solution: programs store data on the hard drive and copy it back and forth to physical memory as needed.
This solution is often referred to as virtual memory, in which the computer simulates having large amounts of contiguous physical memory. Virtual memory can simulate physical memory of nearly any size. However, there is a practical limit imposed on the memory size by the width of the memory addresses. The total number of addresses in the virtual memory, the total amount of data the computer can keep in its working area for applications, is determined by the width of the registers on the computer processor.
Until recently, almost all consumer PCs used a 32-bit processor which has registers with an address space 32 bits wide. A 32-bit processor provides 232 bytes, or approximately 4 gigabytes (GB), of virtual memory. For many years, 4GB of virtual memory satisfied the needs of most programs. However, today Windows computers increasingly confront the 4GB virtual memory ceiling as the result of memory-intensive applications and the need to store multiple applications (or processes) in memory simultaneously. In response, companies like Intel, Santa Clara, Calif., and AMD, Sunnyvale, Calif., developed consumer grade 64-bit processors.
64-bit processors are theoretically capable of accessing 264 locations in memory, or 16 exabytes (EB) of virtual memory—over 4 billion times that of 32-bit processors. While 64-bit processors obviously remove the virtual memory ceiling inherent to 32-bit processors, to take advantage of the larger memory addresses in 64-bit processors, you must have a 64-bit operating system like Windows Vista x64. For its part, Windows Vista x64 imposes a more practical 16TB limit on address space as it is extremely unlikely that you will ever need the full 16 EB capacity.
Checks and minuses
Applications running on Windows Vista x64 may experience improved performance because of the larger amount of available memory, even if the application is running within the WOW64 (Windows-on-Windows54) layer. The larger memory space allows more processes to actively reside in physical memory simultaneously. This could eliminate or reduce time spent loading and switching between processes.
However, to reap the benefits of a 64-bit operating system like Windows Vista x64, you should invest in a large amount of RAM (4GB or more).
Moreover, Windows XP was only available as a 32-bit operating system for 32-bit processors until 2005, when a 64-bit edition was released. This version of Windows XP did not see widespread adoption due to a lack of available software and hardware drivers. Vendors were hesitant to invest in a platform that seemed more novel than practical for consumers at the time, which led to compatibility issues with common devices like sound and graphics cards.
Given the increasing number of 64-bit processors, Windows Vista x64 is unlikely to suffer the same lack of support. However, it will take some time for vendors to release 64-bit software and hardware drivers. Anticipating that not all application software will be immediately updated for Windows Vista, Microsoft provides a way for 32-bit applications to run on Windows Vista x64. This emulation layer, known as Windows on Windows 64 or WOW64, enables 32-bit programs to run as though on a 32-bit version of Windows. However, these 32-bit programs cannot take advantage of the larger 64-bit address spaces or wider 64-bit registers on 64-bit processors.
It is also important to note that a 64-bit operating system requires 64-bit device drivers, and not all hardware manufacturers will release 64-bit versions of their Windows drivers right away. Before moving to Windows Vista x64, you should confirm that all the device drivers you are using have been released in 64-bit versions.
Is it right for me?
64-bit processors have enormous potential not being fully used by modern PCs. Regardless, not all scientific and engineering applications will immediately benefit from migrating to a Windows Vista x64 PC. The following types of applications may see performance benefits on Windows Vista x64. If your application does not fall into one of these categories, you should reconsider moving to Windows Vista x64.
• Applications for creating digital content in such applications as computer-aided design and digital video editing
• Applications that require mathematical precision and floating-point performance
• Applications that involve large, high-performance databases
• Vision acquisition and analysis applications with large amounts of data moving directly into memory at rapid rates.
While Windows Vista x64 makes working with huge data sets in areas such as digital video, scientific computing, and large databases easier, most applications will not see performance benefits by moving to Windows Vista x64. 64-bit processors are not inherently faster than their 32-bit counterparts, and simply have the added ability to access more memory. In fact, because Windows Vista requires more resources than its predecessors, existing computers upgraded to Windows Vista may see a performance decrease.
Final thoughts
Windows Vista x64 represents the first mainstream 64-bit operating system from Microsoft in terms of general availability and support from third-party add-on vendors. The move from a 32-bit operating system like Windows XP to a 64-bit operating system like Windows Vista x64 merits serious consideration. Performance improvements in engineering applications depends largely upon the type of application and its memory requirements. For some applications, Windows Vista x64 provides much needed improvements; however, many programs will see little change in performance, especially those that are still 32-bit applications.
—Mike Neal
mainstream 64-bit operating system from Microsoft.” Mike Neal Product manager for National Instruments LabVIEW. |
While Windows Vista contains hundreds of new features and notable changes, one key aspect of Windows Vista likely to affect engineers and scientists is the availability of both a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version. While a 64-bit version of Windows is not entirely revolutionary (there was a 64-bit version of Windows XP), Windows Vista marks the first time that a 64-bit version of Windows will be widely available.
The impact of the 64-bit version of Windows Vista, known as Windows Vista x64, on engineering and scientific applications is not widely understood. Considering whether or not to use the 64-bit edition requires understanding the differences between the two versions and the potential impact on your application.
| 5 Things
Engineers Should Know About Microsoft’s Windows Vista
Windows Vista includes hundreds of new features, notable changes and improvements. This article highlights many important aspects of Windows Vista. 1. Increased Security One of the stated goals of the Windows Vista release is to improve the security of the Windows operating system. To this end, Windows Vista includes a new, more restrictive security model known as User Account Control (UAC). 2. Improved Search The new Instant Search feature provides improved search capabilities. Files are indexed based on metadata, and search results can dynamically as more search terms are added to the search parameters. Search dialogs have been added to the Start menu, Windows Explorer, and several of the applications included with Windows Vista to make searching easier. 3. 64-bit Version As the accompanying article explains, Windows Vista is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Both versions can run 32-bit application software, but the 64-bit version of Windows Vista requires 64-bit device drivers. 4. NET-based API In Windows Vista, there is a new interface for interacting with the OS known as the .NET Framework 3.0. You can use this .NET-based API to interact with the operating system programmatically. For example, you can use the new speech recognition library to create an application that responds to voice commands. 5. Improved Visual Effects For the average user, the most noticeable change in Vista will likely be the eye-catching visuals. While this aspect of Vista is not as essential for most engineers and scientists, it makes for a more pleasant and intuitive user experience in many cases. One example the new visual effects is the completely revamped Windows-Tab view, which makes it easier to move between open applications. |
Making the choice 64-bit operating systems are a logical step in the evolution of the PC, but explaining why requires some background information. Often the maximum size of the physical memory on a computer is less than the amount needed for all running programs. This is especially true when multiple processes or applications execute simultaneously. The solution: programs store data on the hard drive and copy it back and forth to physical memory as needed.
This solution is often referred to as virtual memory, in which the computer simulates having large amounts of contiguous physical memory. Virtual memory can simulate physical memory of nearly any size. However, there is a practical limit imposed on the memory size by the width of the memory addresses. The total number of addresses in the virtual memory, the total amount of data the computer can keep in its working area for applications, is determined by the width of the registers on the computer processor.
Until recently, almost all consumer PCs used a 32-bit processor which has registers with an address space 32 bits wide. A 32-bit processor provides 232 bytes, or approximately 4 gigabytes (GB), of virtual memory. For many years, 4GB of virtual memory satisfied the needs of most programs. However, today Windows computers increasingly confront the 4GB virtual memory ceiling as the result of memory-intensive applications and the need to store multiple applications (or processes) in memory simultaneously. In response, companies like Intel, Santa Clara, Calif., and AMD, Sunnyvale, Calif., developed consumer grade 64-bit processors.
64-bit processors are theoretically capable of accessing 264 locations in memory, or 16 exabytes (EB) of virtual memory—over 4 billion times that of 32-bit processors. While 64-bit processors obviously remove the virtual memory ceiling inherent to 32-bit processors, to take advantage of the larger memory addresses in 64-bit processors, you must have a 64-bit operating system like Windows Vista x64. For its part, Windows Vista x64 imposes a more practical 16TB limit on address space as it is extremely unlikely that you will ever need the full 16 EB capacity.
|
Checks and minuses
Applications running on Windows Vista x64 may experience improved performance because of the larger amount of available memory, even if the application is running within the WOW64 (Windows-on-Windows54) layer. The larger memory space allows more processes to actively reside in physical memory simultaneously. This could eliminate or reduce time spent loading and switching between processes.
However, to reap the benefits of a 64-bit operating system like Windows Vista x64, you should invest in a large amount of RAM (4GB or more).
Moreover, Windows XP was only available as a 32-bit operating system for 32-bit processors until 2005, when a 64-bit edition was released. This version of Windows XP did not see widespread adoption due to a lack of available software and hardware drivers. Vendors were hesitant to invest in a platform that seemed more novel than practical for consumers at the time, which led to compatibility issues with common devices like sound and graphics cards.
Given the increasing number of 64-bit processors, Windows Vista x64 is unlikely to suffer the same lack of support. However, it will take some time for vendors to release 64-bit software and hardware drivers. Anticipating that not all application software will be immediately updated for Windows Vista, Microsoft provides a way for 32-bit applications to run on Windows Vista x64. This emulation layer, known as Windows on Windows 64 or WOW64, enables 32-bit programs to run as though on a 32-bit version of Windows. However, these 32-bit programs cannot take advantage of the larger 64-bit address spaces or wider 64-bit registers on 64-bit processors.
It is also important to note that a 64-bit operating system requires 64-bit device drivers, and not all hardware manufacturers will release 64-bit versions of their Windows drivers right away. Before moving to Windows Vista x64, you should confirm that all the device drivers you are using have been released in 64-bit versions.
Is it right for me?
64-bit processors have enormous potential not being fully used by modern PCs. Regardless, not all scientific and engineering applications will immediately benefit from migrating to a Windows Vista x64 PC. The following types of applications may see performance benefits on Windows Vista x64. If your application does not fall into one of these categories, you should reconsider moving to Windows Vista x64.
• Applications for creating digital content in such applications as computer-aided design and digital video editing
• Applications that require mathematical precision and floating-point performance
• Applications that involve large, high-performance databases
• Vision acquisition and analysis applications with large amounts of data moving directly into memory at rapid rates.
While Windows Vista x64 makes working with huge data sets in areas such as digital video, scientific computing, and large databases easier, most applications will not see performance benefits by moving to Windows Vista x64. 64-bit processors are not inherently faster than their 32-bit counterparts, and simply have the added ability to access more memory. In fact, because Windows Vista requires more resources than its predecessors, existing computers upgraded to Windows Vista may see a performance decrease.
Final thoughts
Windows Vista x64 represents the first mainstream 64-bit operating system from Microsoft in terms of general availability and support from third-party add-on vendors. The move from a 32-bit operating system like Windows XP to a 64-bit operating system like Windows Vista x64 merits serious consideration. Performance improvements in engineering applications depends largely upon the type of application and its memory requirements. For some applications, Windows Vista x64 provides much needed improvements; however, many programs will see little change in performance, especially those that are still 32-bit applications.
—Mike Neal
| Upgrading to Vista Microsoft’s first new operating system release in five years—XP was released in 2002—is expected to have a long-term impact on how researchers do their jobs. Working with it can be performed with new systems equipped with the operating system or by upgrading an existing system. Most large PC manufacturers (HP, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba, Gateway) will equip their new systems with Microsoft Windows Vista when the operating system launches on January 30, 2007. However, most researchers are not likely to replace their relatively new and high-performance workstations and notebooks just to get a new operating system. Indeed, most systems that support Windows XP today also meet the Vista Capable minimum requirements: 800 MHz x86 or x64 CPU, 512 MB of system memory, and a DirectX 9-capable graphics processor with 32 MB of video RAM. Most manufacturers have “readiness advisors” and recommendations on their web sites for system selections or upgrades to Vista-capable systems—there’s also an upgrade advisor at www.windowsvista.com/getready (as noted on this site, the download requirements alone, depending upon the selected download components, can vary from 12.2 MB to a staggering 157.4 MB). Not all Windows Vista features are available for use on all Windows Vista-Capable PCs. For example, a system with less than 1 GB of system memory won’t support many of the advanced features of premium versions of Vista, including the Windows Aero user interface. Some features available in premium editions of Vista may require additional hardware. Microsoft’s “Premium-ready” recommendations include a 1 GHZ CPU, 1 GB of dual-channel (2-DIMMS) RAM along with 128 MB video RAM and a 40 GB hard drive with 15 GB of free space. For optimized Vista systems, upgrades to a 1 GHZ or better CPU, 2 GB dual-channel RAM, and 256 MB video RAM are recommended. Windows Vista has been in development for more than five years—the longest operating system development project in Microsoft’s history. It was declared complete on Nov. 8, 2006 and released to manufacturing with final versions made available to hardware and software developers at that time, although most developers have had earlier releases to work with since 2005. This too, is the longest time that hardware and software developers have had to get ready for the release of a new operating system from Microsoft. Microsoft Windows Vista support sites: Dell Computers: www.dell.com HP Computers: www.hp.com Microsoft: www.windowsvista.com Microsoft Developer Network: http://msdn.microsoft.com National Instruments: www.ni.com/vista Nvidia (video cards): www.nvidia.com/page/technology_vista_home.html |
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