Adobe says that LR 6 will require a 64 bit OS

This is effectively a meaningless announcement since LR5 already requires Windows 7 SP 1.  Almost all Win 7 installations are 64 bit.  The only Windows 7 version that is not 64 bit is Windows 7 Starter which is not supplied on any computer and is a miniscule fraction of the Windows 7 installations. It was generally only on super low end $199 or less Netbooks shipped almost 5 years ago.  In my estimation, this impacts less than 1 in 100,000 LR users.

E.J. Peiker wrote:This is effectively a meaningless announcement since LR5 already requires Windows 7 SP 1.  Almost all Win 7 installations are 64 bit.  The only Windows 7 version that is not 64 bit is Windows 7 Starter which is not supplied on any computer and is a miniscule fraction of the Windows 7 installations. It was generally only on super low end $199 or less Netbooks shipped almost 5 years ago.  In my estimation, this impacts less than 1 in 100,000 LR users.

Can't agree with that EJ. I have 32-bit Win7 SP1 discs here from Dell in Pro and enterprise (and ultimate without sp1). Dell still provide our corporate image as Win7 pro sp1 32 bit. And I know plenty of companies still running 32 bit Win7.

I do tend to agree with most of the rest though.

That's a Dell thing then (and maybe other OEMs), because MS does not sell stand alone 32 bit other than Starter and never has. Now they may license the distribution of a 32 bit only version to the likes of Dell for redistribution. But quite frankly, any company that only installed a 32 bit version has seriously handcuffed themselves.

I have to agree with Andrew here EJ. I build all my own PCs and when I built my last one, Win 7 32 bit was available to purchase. I naturally did not use it, but it was readily available, and is still currently available to purchase here:  www.ncix.com/detail/microsoft-windows-7 ... -60736.htm   Maybe what you are saying is the case for the USA, but here in Canada, Win 7 32 bit has always been readily available to purchase.

Tim Zurowski wrote:I have to agree with Andrew here EJ. I build all my own PCs and when I built my last one, Win 7 32 bit was available to purchase. I naturally did not use it, but it was readily available, and is still currently available to purchase here:  www.ncix.com/detail/microsoft-windows-7 ... -60736.htm   Maybe what you are saying is the case for the USA, but here in Canada, Win 7 32 bit has always been readily available to purchase.

The link you showed clearly indicates that it is an OEM pack, not a retail version of Win 7.  But no point in taking this farther. Your point has been made

Supposedly, Lightroom 6 will rely completely on 64 bit, which is supposed to make if run faster. I would love that.

Have Fun,
Jeff