August 3rd, 2007
Patchy antivirus coverage for 64-bit Vista
Virus Bulletin security certification body tested a number of antivirus software solutions for 64-bit versions of Windows Vista and discovered that security firms are struggling to provide satisfactory protection for the operating system and users.
Here’s how an article on vnunet.com describes the situation:
Of the 20 antivirus product tested, 35 per cent failed to meet the test’s criteria. Six of the failing grades were caused by so called false positives, legitimate files that are incorrectly flagged as malware.
Here’s yet another reason why 64-bit (at least a Microsoft 64-bit solution) is just not worth considering for desktop systems. The operating system itself as a stand-alone product might be ready (and I use the word might pretty loosely here) but the hardware and software ecosystem that’s needed turn a PC from a paperweight into a tool are far from ready. 64-bit is a rocky road of hardware issues, software issues, driver issues and now security worries, all for little upside in the end. Unless your needs are pretty specific, it’s unlikely that you need to switch to Vista 64-bit.
Loading ...Microsoft might want us all to gradually abandon 32-bit for 64-bit, but before this happens the road has to be made easier and far less uncertain that it is currently. Will 64-bit Windows be ready for prime-time come Windows 7? You know, given the slow adoption of Vista 64-bit on the desktop and the lack on enthusiasm on the part of vendors to support it, I’m starting to doubt that the next version of Windows will be 64-bit only. If consumers and businesses find the migration to Vista tricky when there are the two flavors to choose from, Windows 7 is going to be a total nightmare if it’s 64-bit only.
Questions: Does Microsoft need to switch to 64-bit? Do customers need it?
Thoughts?
Adrian is a technology journalist and author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology. He also runs a popular blog called The PC Doctor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations
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