Solutions Microsoft

microsoft_logoAEC Systems & Microsoft

We realise that Microsoft is as much a part of everyone's day to day work as Autodesk in many ways and recognise that it is not always possible to easily source the relevant configurations and training to optimise Windows, Office etc.

The newer versions of Autodesk software are optimised for 64 bit environment making Windows 7 a must - the chart below shows the hierarchy of how much "Bang for your Buck" you can expect from each OS.

Autodesk Software & Recommended Operating Systems:

01 WINDOWS 7 - 64 BIT
Recommended

This has been proven to be the most stable choice for Autodesk software.

Pros
Cons
  • Current Operating System.
  • Takes advantage of all RAM.
  • New Optimised Features.
  • Supported by Microsoft.
  • Requires Windows 7 or Vista compatible 64 bit driver.
  • May not support legacy applications.
Note:
Compatability Mode allows older applications to run within Windows 7.
This is covered in a webcast, downloadable HERE.
02 WINDOWS VISTA - 64 BIT
Not Recommended

Vista 64 Bit is the second most efficient usage of RAM but not recommended if Windows 7 64 Bit is available

Pros
Cons
  • Will use more RAM than a 32 bit OS.
  • Not a current Operating System.
  • Less optimisation than windows 7.
  • Requires Vista compatible 64 bit drivers.
  • Legacy mode?
03 WINDOWS XP - 64 BIT
Not Recommended

If there is a company policy where only XP is available, then XP 64 bit will perform better than the 32 bit version.

Pros
Cons
  • Will be able to use more than 4GB of RAM.
  • Supports most applications.
  • Not supported by most vendors.
  • Requires 64 bit drivers.
04 WINDOWS 7 - 32 BIT
Not Recommended
This is the OS of choice for applications that do not demand resources (Word, Excel etc)- since the Autodesk apps are RAM hungry, we recommend a 64 bit OS, preferably Windows 7 64 bit.
Pros
Cons
  • Current Operating System.
  • New Optimised Features.
  • Supported by Microsoft.
  • Max RAM = 4GB
05 WINDOWS VISTA 32 BIT: 3GB ENABLED
Not Recommended

The 3GB switch enables 3GB of user mode virtual address space and 1GB of kernel mode virtual address space. There have been reports of general stability issues when the switch .is applied.

Pros
Cons
  • Will use allocate more than 2GB RAM to applications
  • Not a current Operating Systems
  • Less optimisation than windows 7
  • Does not address more than 4GB RAM (3GB for applications)
06 WINDOWS XP 32 BIT: 3GB ENABLED
Not Recommended

The 3GB switch enables 3GB of user mode virtual address space and 1GB of kernel mode virtual address space. There have been reports of general stability issues when the switch .is applied, particularly on Windows XP.

Pros
Cons
  • Will use allocate more than 2GB RAM to applications
  • Not a current Operating Systems
  • Does not address more than 4GB RAM (3GB for applications)
07 WINDOWS VISTA 32 BIT
Not Recommended

Vista 32 bit offers plenty of new visual options but little to improve performance of high end applications. Most technical companies (including AEC Systems) skipped it and went straight from XP to Windows 7 64 it.

Pros
Cons
  • ... if you like the "Visual Candy" features, there are plenty but if you are after performance...
  • Not a current Operating Systems
  • Less optimisation than windows 7
  • Will not harness the full power of the newer applications.
08 WINDOWS XP 32 bit
Not Recommended

XP 32 bit has been used for several years and is a comfort zone as it is so stable but with the recommended spec for Revit, Civil 3D etc being 8GB RAM, the 32 bit OS is not a viable option.

Pros
Cons
  • Stable and well tested.
  • Drivers etc available for everything.
  • Not a current Operating System.
  • Less optimisation than windows 7.
  • Will not harness the full power of the newer applications.