Hi, I'm new here. I haven't even really used Corel DRAW yet.
We just ordered a laser engraver. Now the next step for me is to order a dedicated PC and Corel DRAW, which seems to be quite a standard software to design and format engravings. I'm actually training on the trial version these days.
My question is : should we get the 32-bits or 64-bits version of Windows 7 ? Is there any reason we should choose one over the other to optimize the use of Corel X5?
I believe most laser engraver drivers still run on 32-bits, so I'm leaning in that direction. I'd appreciate if someone more up to date could tell me the status of X5 in this respect.
Thanks!
CorelDRAW X5 suite is still a 32 bit application.
If the new system that you are purchasing, will be used only for the engraver, then Win7 - 32 bit is fine, especially if you are not able to find Win 7 - 64 bit drivers for it. On the other hand, if the new system will be used for more than just the engraver, you may want to revisit your engraver purchase or think about using another means to drive the engraver (using a Virtual Machine with a 32 bit Windows, running under a 64 bit windows 7, or another, older PC that is just an interface to the engraver.)
As for the future, I do not know, nor does anyone on this forum, outside of Corel, (and they are not talking about it) when CorelDRAW will be 64 bit, assuming that it will be 64 bit, someday. Anyway, the current 64 bit Windows will run 32 bit applications, just fine.
So, choosing between 32 bit and 64 bit, is a toss up, at this point. I would recommend that you purchase 64 - bit hardware (64 bit, multi-core CPU) and such and install a 32 bit Windows 7 O/S. That way, if you choose, later, to run with 64 bit system, you have to change only the Windows O/S to a 64 bit version.
Mickey McFly said:We just ordered a laser engraver.
Hi.
The company should have info about the system needed to run it. Check the FAQ or specs on the website of the manufacturer. They will usually let you know if the product only works in a 32 bit system.
-John
Hello Mickey McFly; I'm using Windows Vista 32 on a dou core running at 1.6m and 2GB ram, a 1GB HD 4670 Radeon video card. Corel X4, Approach, Lotus 123, SignLab, Web Easy 8 and Verizon Internet software. The system runs grate it's fast andreliable. The only software I know of that uses 64 bit are games and Windows. Most of the people that don't have troublesusing 64 bit are people that are computer wise, they have learned how to set things up and know there are some programsthat don't play well together. And my thoughts on computers is get the one you need to do the job WELL as cheap as possible.I'm not one for the "If you do this or that it will work maybe" most computers come with all kinds of free trial software, the firstthing I would do is delete all of that stuff you don't need. And you will want a good size hard drive. Like said above I wouldget a 64 bit processor if it was available with a 32 bit Windows The best computer you can get is one built by someone that knowswhat you need for graphics.
MY Thoughts And GOOD LUCK GeorgePS This forum is the best place to learn Corel, there are people here that can sell you "How To's" to watch and learn and other things that will make work easer.
64bit and don't be mean on memory, start with 8Gb. As for drivers keep an old computer if you need to that can be used to manage that issue.
Which reminds me isn't someone testing my theory of the PS driver for unsupported RIPS
TheSign Guy said:The best computer you can get is one built by someone that knows what you need for graphics.
AND knows how to do it cheap. Don't spend money on hardware that is expensive and therefore reduces your update cycle. It simply isn't worth it. What costs $5K today will cost $2K in a year for a better product. If a 3Ghz processor costs $300 and a 3.2Ghz processor costs $500 save your money and buy the 3Ghz processor and commit to more upgrades with the difference.
Mickey McFly said:should we get the 32-bits or 64-bits version of Windows 7
If you are going to buy a retail pack of Windows 7, the dvd comes with both the versions, 32-bit and 64-bit.
Its upto your needs, what version to choose during installation.
There are no (known) issues in using CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 on a 64-Bit OS. However, you might get benefit if you have any other 64-Bit supporting application. So I would definitely prefer 64-Bit over 32-Bit considering the fact that sometime or later applications may start coming in 64-Bit as standard.