We have started doing testing with Windows 7 and have some initial advice if you are getting a new computer or thinking of upgrading the one you have.

There are 2 main system types, 32-bit and 64-bit.  These numbers deal with the basics of how Windows handles memory.  You are either one or the other and your processor is basically designed to work with either.

The 64-bit versions of Windows were introduced with XP and gained popularity with Vista.  Windows 7 is mostly 64-bit, but 32-bit is available.

Here at Retul, we recommend that you try to find a 32-bit version of Vista or Windows 7. 

Some of our initial testing and research shows that although the 64-bit versions are getting more popular, some software and device drivers might not work due to being designed for 32-bit.

Here is some good news on our testing:

There is a 64-bit driver for the USB/Serial converter in the member's area for our current customers.  It was designed for Vista, but has been tested and does work for 64-bit Windows 7.

The 4c software version does work on both 64-bit Vista and Windows 7.

The higher levels of Windows 7 (Professional or Ultimate) come with a compatability mode that could make software work even if it is not designed for 64-bit but this is not yet tested.

Moving forward we will be bringing our software into compliance for 64-bit, but for now, the newest version of software, 4d, takes advantage of some technologies that are designed for 32-bit and is not certified for 64-bit operation.  We recommend that you get a 32-bit operating system.

If you are buying a computer now, check online retailers like dell.com and others where you have many choices in 32-bit operating systems and computers at lots of different price points.  As usual, there are no significant demands of hard-drive space or processor speed or RAM to run the Retul software.