Windows 64-bit Support

Almost all Windows XP users have the Home or Professional version. For information on compatibility with these Windows XP operating systems, see NETGEAR Windows XP Compatibility.

Windows XP 64-bit

This operating system's greater number of bits allows it, for example, to make effective use of dual CPU computers, and to run (some) custom-built software faster

• Since there is a limited market for 64-bit drivers, and creating them is expensive, NETGEAR has no immediate plans to release 64 bit drivers for NETGEAR products. This would raise the cost of the products for all other customers. If you install the 64-bit operating system, all NETGEAR drivers and utilities on that computer may stop working! Of course, much other software and drivers will also stop working, so you should consider whether you want to go to the expense and risk of changing to this operating system.

Microsoft has a good, brief article on this subject Frequently asked questions about Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. In essence:

• They expect that some companies will chose not to release 64 bit drivers immediately, or ever, for older products.
• There is no "home" edition of the 64-bit XP for general use, because Microsoft targeted it toward high-end professional applications, software developers, and demanding gamers.
• As of January 2006, XP 64-bit runs with Athlon 64 and other selected AMD "64" processors, and Intel's EM64T.
• The operating system will not work at all with older computers, and with some current computers. Examples are Centrino and Itanium computers.

Windows Vista

Windows Vista is Microsoft's upcoming operating system that will support 64-bit drivers. For suggestions about system requirements, see Microsoft's Windows Vista Hardware.

N101596.asp Jan. 16, 2006