Get our latest top picks
Subscribe to our Top Picks RSS Feed or enter your email address below to get the feed delivered to you by email:
|
Follow Gizmo |
 |
 |
 |
Register/Login
Top Rated
Gizmo's Freeware is Recruiting
We are looking for people with skills or interest in the following:
- Mobile Platform Reviews
- Rootkit Scanner and Remover
- Streaming Media Recorder
- Email Client
- Archive Manager Interested? Click here
Best Free Windows 64-bit Software
|
Best Free Windows 64-bit Software - Page Index
|
||
|
||
 8. Internet and eMail |
||
Best Free Windows 64-bit Browser
Now is a good time to try a 64-bit browser. Just don't get rid of your 32-bit browser until you are sure that you can do without it.
64-bit versions of Windows Vista, 7 and 8 include both the 32 and 64-bit versions of Internet Explorer, version 8 in the case of Windows 7, version 10 for Windows 8. The 32-bit versions of Firefox, Google Chrome, and Opera also work without a hitch under both operating systems.
For a many months I have used all the browsers. I rate them similarly to the 32-bit versions (see Best Free Web Browser). Although my personal preference is for Firefox and its derivatives, your preference is likely to be determined by what you use in a 32-bit version. On my systems, the 64-bit versions seem smoother and faster than the 32-bit versions when running on 64-bit Windows but they are usually no faster than their 32-bit versions running on 32-bit Windows.
The issues are the same for all 64-bit versions, they use more memory and they may not be able to run your favourite 32-bit add-on or plug-in. However, the main roadblocks to using 64-bit browsers have been removed:
- the software is much more stable and delivers noticeable improvements in performance;
- many add-ons are available
-
plug-ins are now available for download in 64-bit versions:
- Adobe's Flash Player
- Sun's Java Runtime Environment for Firefox and Internet Explorer
- Microsoft Silverlight 5 RC Developer Runtime (x64) for Windows
- There is now a real choice with four 64-bit web browsers: Internet Explore, Opera and the Firefox-derived Pale Moon and Waterfox.
Pale Moon is a fast version of Firefox optimized to run on newer hardware. Speed is increased by optimizing the compiled program through removing support for older processors, utilising the features of newer processors, and configuring some features differently. The main difference you will notice is that the user interface is slightly different retaining some of the older placements.
Compatibility is maintained by using only 'unmodified Firefox code' but removing some 'less useful' features which don't affect the ability to display web pages correctly. Useful features that are removed are: accessibility features - if you need them you won't want this browser; and parental controls - see Best Free Internet Safety Check which describes how parental controls improve browsing safety. You will also lose crash support because Pale Moon does not have the same infrastructure as Firefox.
Pale Moon installation was easy but a separate utility has to be downloaded to migrate my Firefox settings. One benefit of 100% Firefox source code is that I can use Firefox Sync which synchronizes Firefox history, bookmarks, etc on different platforms. I'm using it to synchronize 32-bit Firefox, 64-bit Firefox and 64-bit Pale Moon so I don't lose any of my work while I'm evaluating them.
Waterfox, like Pale Moon, is an optimized 64-bit version of Firefox that doesn't remove major components. It appears to be faster than Pale Moon but has one annoying feature:"Waterfox uses the same profile that Firefox does. If you uninstall Waterfox make sure you don't have the remove personal data box ticked!".
Opera might well be my main browser if it wasn't so aggressive at making itself the default. With smaller market share, I guess that they try harder to overcome conservatism and inertia that keeps Opera off more desktops.
While Internet Explorer 64-bit is a very good browser, I don't using it much because I have had more problems with the websites I rely upon and work on. Even so, I enjoyed using it as it was also noticeably smoother and faster than the 32-bit version.
Even with four 64-bit browsers to choos from, 32-bit Chrome Chrome is still a very attractive product with features that you might consider essential like multiple user profiles.
Best Free Windows 64-bit Email
Microsoft offer no real 64-bit solution for the latest versions of Windows:
- Windows 8 Mail is a Modern UI application but it is very limited. If you use it, you will have to complement it with webmail or another email program.
- Windows 7 does not include an email client.
- Windows Vista 64 has a 64-bit version of Windows Mail which makes it Microsoft's only competent 64-bit email client.
Thunderbird is our recommended client for the 32-bit Windows desktop but Mozilla's only 64-bit version is the unsupported beta Earlybird. It is good enough to use but be warned that you may strike problems although I haven't ... yet.
Unfortunately, moving from your existing email client to 64-bit Thunderbird 3 can be quite a challenge. Users moving from Thunderbird 2 under Windows 7 and Vista 64 will need to use two third party freeware products, MozBackup and MailStore Home. Migration from Outlook is relatively simple under Vista 64 using the import function. This approach doesn't work under Windows 7 due to changes in the registration of MAPI entries which no one appears to want to acknowledge or address.
Version numbers match Firefox versions.
Further Resources:
Migration Tools
Technical Details for CPU compatibility and excluded Firefox features
Requires 5.5 MB download of 64-bit Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable
- Login or register to post comments
Printer-friendly version
Comments
Just to clear up a small technical point, 16 bit code will run under 32 bit Windows. Should you wish to run it under 64 bit Windows you need to employ virtual machine technology. This is covered elsewhere on the site and must be clear as I managed to follow it!
Rik
Hi,
Is is neccessary for me to install Windows 7 SP1 in order to make Windows secure and run more efficiently? The reason I'm asking is becuase Microsoft said IE9 would require SP1, but I'm running IE9 fine on 32 bit version of Windows 7. I'm just wondering if is an absolute must have. If it is, and I do decide to download it, do you know of a service pack clean up tool I could run. I'm running Panda Cloud on as well.
Updates to Windows are released for good reason. They make the product more secure and reduce the 'attack surface' for exploits. My advice is therefore to apply SP1.
As to clean up, unless you are really short of disk space let Windows do it for you. If this is a real issue then post in the forum where many others will be able to help you.
Regards,
Rik
Thank you. I will digest your answer and use it as brain food!
Hey, just for the record since you wrote this post, ccleaner has come out with a 64-bit application, or at least 64-bit support, I would screenshot my version, but I am at work =(
Forgive me if this is the wrong firum but it seemed the closest to what I need...I have a HP printer originally intended for use with Vista. I tried to install it to a laptop running Windows 7 but was told on one of the pop ups form the installation disk that this was not possible. Is there a way to overide his and make it work?
Sorry, we are unable to provide dedicated support here in the comments. You will need to register and post this here in our forum:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/freeware-forum/general-computer-support/
Thanks for the information, I'll take a look.
Rik
Glad it worked out for you unfortunately that is not how antivirus software is tested and would be a very blind way to go about it. Look for sites that test all kinds of AV software, look at their data and results and compare them with all the listed AV programs. The major thing to look out for is failed results, that is the key detail that determines a good AV vs a bad one.
Me personally I use Microsoft Security Essentials why?
Because:
1. It's light on system resources and free for life.
2. Actually 64bit unlike most claims made by top antivirus software.
3. Fast scanning.
4. Virus definitions updated daily.
5. 99% detection rate well at least I have yet to see it fail.
Things I don't like about it:
1. Constant beta state.
2. Updater doesn't work as it should you have better luck with schedules.
3. Anti-spyware kind of sucks, kills your resources if you have it on auto and are doing multiple things.
4. Its not designed with all the kinks and eye candy in mind, so it lacks allot of major security additions but being lightweight and free makes it worth the price point. If all you need is a solid AV then MSE should fit the budget.
I have used Microsoft's SyncToy for years. It worked well initially. As the number of files grew into thousands, and the number of files over 100MB also increased, it became inefficient. When there are thousands of files to compare, it takes a long time. Sometimes, I had to leave it overnight to complete the initial scan and determine actions.
I now settled with FreeFileSync, which works amazingly well. It's a simple software, has a portable option, and can do everything SyncToy can.
SyncToy had one advantage. It recognized moved/renamed files and tried to do the same thin on destination, thereby avoiding copy of large files. FreeFileSync doesn't do that, but more than makes up for that additional operation through its efficiency.
There is another annoyance with FreeFileSync, but I see it as a security feature :) If run normally by double-clicking, it ends up with file privilege error. I have to right click the shortcut and say "Run as Adinistrator". I run this once a week, and it's not a significant burden.
Thanks for the roundup. I've just gotten a 64-bit Windows 7 Pro computer and I'm researching replacements for old programs.
I noticed the "CCleaner" link in the "DISK CLEANER" section is broken.
Jon
I'm running Adobe Flash Player on 64 bit Windows / IE 8 (64 bit) right now. There is a version that works - It's a preview version but I haven't had any problems at all.
I'm not sure if one is available for 64 bit Mozilla. I didn't see one if there is.
Here is the link for the Windows 64 bit Adobe Flash Player download if you want to add it to your article http://labs.adobe.com/downloads/flashplayer10_square.html
Ad-Aware 2008 is outdated, now this software includes an anti-virus.
Hi
Very much excited by this content it all all the software links that are very much use full for the any visitor who is using the Windows-7. After just completing the Win-7 installer can check this article and then very easily install all the remaining software very easily.
I was Very much glad by the author of the article that he had give lot of stuff here. I suggest ever user who is using win-7 must see this.
Hi Gonzo
Hope you got the drivers of your printer or else your can just go to the HP support site page and from there you can easily get the support as per your printers requirement.
Or else your can also get the support from the Google very easily. I hope you will get them and go for printing the great content too..........
I found a new and good native 64 bit program by your web site.
Thank you, I added your website to My Favorites.
i love gizmos
this site is very usefull, for the one who is not an expert of computer. i love this site.
Hello,
I'm not sure whether to go with 32 or 64Bit Win 7.
Looking at Core i5 with 4Gb of Ram and 1Gb graphics.
But I've heard that 32bit programs will run slower on a 64bit OS than on a 32Bit OS.
Can you confirm that?
Cheers,
Larry
is there any software enabling me to use an application in 32bit and in a 64bit OS?
Ex: i tried installing Pocket oxford dict software in windows7 but its not working(works well in xp), is there any means that i could do so?
Dear Larry,
Use 64-bit operating systems and use native 64-bit programs, if you can not find native 64-bit programs, use 32/64-bit compatible programs, if you can not find 32/64-bit compatible programs use 32-bit programs.
Open Task Manager and see them *32 marked as 32-bit programs. Don't use 32-bit programs if they are not necessary.
Your computer is very goood, you have to run 64-bit operating systems.
Cheers,
Levent
The above list doesn't contain any media player. Please do recommend some Media player which is a 64 bit program. i came across Media Player Classic .EXE and Portable version with K lite Codec Pack Both are 64 Bit version. I thought these programs can be added in above list.
This whole article could use an updating as much of it seems dated. But can we get a review on the 64 bit version of Firefox http://wiki.mozilla-x86-64.com/Firefox:Download. Currently using chrome on my netbook with win 7 64 bit home premium and wondering if it's worth the switch back to FF just for the 64 bit advantage.
Thanks
Some form of changelog would be nice. At least what's new.
As a member of our editing team you have access to the revisions log which details these changes (if completed :)) In this case it's so far just a change of editor and nothing else.
To members/visitors, we have no way to prevent this type of change or minor amendments from designating an article as "updated". Many editors do now include a changelog though and we are always looking at better ways to keep people informed.
Yes, a change log will be one of the first changes I make.
Is there a toolbar available for 64 bit internet explorer/Windows 7
I just discovered and have been using Pot Player x64. Nice feature rich player.
I have found that by trial and error, that older programs specifically engineered for Vista and XP will not be compatable for 64 bit OS 7.It's best to only use hardware that has the Windoes 7 logo on it and you will be trouble free.
Brolly,
IMHO, if you want to use firefox only, without much need of plugins, you may want to try 64 bit browser.
When I tried, I did not find 64 bit version for some of the plugins that I wanted to use. So, I switched back to the 32 bit version.
Browser, Office suite, FTP client and Editors/IDE are most frequently used software for me. Would like to have opera in 64 bit also.