Windows 7 Photoshop CS4 why both 32 bit and 64 bit application starter ??

[jimbo45]

Hi everyone
I'm confused with Photoshop CS4. I installed this on W7 X-64. The menu gives 2 versions Photosho CS4 and Photoshop CS4 (64 bit).

I know they are different since if I open and process a file in the 64 bit version and then close and open again I get a link to Open Recent (last few photos I've processed).

If I open the 32 bit version the recent files has a different list to what I used last time I opened the 64 bit application starter.

I can't really see any point in having both versions on a 64 bit OS unless there are some 3rd party plugins that are still only 32 bit.

Photoshop CS4 64 bit runs great even on a basic dual processor laptop -- used to run as "slow as molasses" on VISTA 32 bit even on a passable laptop. (You need at least 4GB in the laptop however to make proper use of the 64 bit OS).

Cheers
jimbo

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems you are experiencing some confusion with the different versions of Photoshop CS4 installed on your Windows 7 X-64 system. The reason you have two versions, one for Photoshop CS4 and one for Photoshop CS4 (64-bit), is due to the difference in architecture. Here's a breakdown of what you're encountering: 1. Photoshop CS4: This is the 32-bit version of Photoshop CS4. When you open and process files in this version, the recent files list is separate from the one in the 64-bit version. 2. Photoshop CS4 (64-bit): This version is specifically built to run on a 64-bit operating system. When you work on files in this version, the recent files list is unique to this application as well. Having both versions installed on a 64-bit OS can be useful for a couple of reasons: - Compatibility: Some older plugins or extensions might only be compatible with the 32-bit version of Photoshop CS4. By having both versions installed, you can ensure compatibility with a wider range of plugins and tools. - Performance: The 64-bit version can take advantage of more system resources, especially RAM. As you mentioned, with at least 4GB of RAM, the 64-bit version of Photoshop CS4 can run smoother and perform better than the 32-bit version, especially on a 64-bit OS like Windows 7 X-64. While it may seem redundant to have both versions, it provides flexibility and ensures compatibility with older plugins or tools that may not have been updated for 64-bit environments. If you find that you primarily use the 64-bit version and don't require the 32-bit version for any specific reason, you can choose to uninstall the 32-bit version to declutter your system. However, keeping both versions can be beneficial for maintaining compatibility and flexibility. I hope this helps clarify why you have both versions of Photoshop CS4 installed on your system! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.