The Neat Company Forums

Greetings!

We’ve been very busy in development over the past several months preparing for the release of NEAT Receipts versions 2.8 and 3.0, and we’re all looking forward to delivering this software to our customers!

As we get ready to deliver these products, I wanted to take a moment to address some common questions about the different editions of Windows Vista; the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions; and which versions of Windows Vista will be supported with the upcoming release of NEAT Receipts 2.8 and 3.0.

What is Windows Vista?

Windows Vista is the next generation of the Microsoft Windows operating system and the successor to Windows XP.  Vista contains hundreds of new and reworked features; some of the most significant include an updated graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Windows Aero; improved searching features; new multimedia creation tools such as Windows DVD Maker; and completely redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems. Vista also aims to increase the level of communication between computers on a home network using peer-to-peer technology, making it easier to share files and digital media between computers and devices.

With the release of Vista, Microsoft hopes to improve the state of security in the Windows operating system by addressing the commonly exploited security vulnerabilities and overall susceptibility to malware, viruses and buffer overflows that had affected Windows XP.

What’s with all the editions of Windows Vista?

Microsoft feels that different computer users require different operating system features, and so it has decided to offer multiple editions of Windows Vista, each oriented toward the needs of specific types of customers.

The most common versions of Windows Vista are:

Windows Vista Home Basic

Windows Vista Home Basic is ideal for homes with basic computing needs like e-mail, browsing the Internet, and viewing photos. Easy to set up and maintain, it enables you to quickly find what you're looking for on your PC and the Internet, while providing a more secure environment to help protect you from an unpredictable world.

Windows Vista Home Premium

Windows Vista Home Premium is the preferred edition for home desktop and mobile PCs. It provides a breakthrough design that brings your world into sharper focus while delivering the productivity, entertainment, and security you need from your PC at home or on the go.

 Windows Vista Business

Windows Vista Business is the first edition of Windows designed specifically to meet the needs of small businesses. You'll spend less time on technology support-related issues, so you can spend more time making your business successful. Windows Vista Business is the definitive choice for your business today and tomorrow.

Windows Vista Ultimate

Windows Vista Ultimate is the choice for those who want to have it all. Easily shift between the worlds of productivity and play with the most complete edition of Windows Vista. Ultimate provides the power, security, and mobility features needed for work, and all the entertainment features that you want for fun.

So what is 64-bit all about?

With the gaining popularity of 64-bit chipsets and processors, many users now have the ability to run either 64-bit versions (x64) or 32-bit versions (x86) of software and operating systems. There are some benefits to running 64-bit software, most notably:

·         The 64-bit CPUs can handle more memory and larger files because 64 bits provides a larger address space, which means you can address more memory. 

·         64-bit carries twice as much data.

Microsoft has made 64-bit editions of Windows Vista available for all editions of Windows Vista listed above.

As advertised by Microsoft, the 64-bit editions of Windows Vista are for serious computer users who have advanced high-performance needs and who are running a computer system with a 64-bit processor. These editions combine Windows Vista innovation with cutting-edge PC hardware to deliver access to vast amounts of memory, stronger security, and a new level of reliability.

In the business world, Windows Vista 64-bit editions are ideal for engineering (CAD/CAM) work, digital content creation, scientific and technical computing, and even demanding financial analysis, all on computer systems with 64-bit processors.

In the consumer market, Windows Vista 64-bit editions are ideal for serious gamers, high-quality media creators, and enthusiasts who demand the most from digital media and who are running computer systems with 64-bit processors.

The 64-bit editions of Windows Vista are not for everyone, and require a system with a 64-bit processor and 64-bit system drivers.

What editions and versions of Windows Vista will work with NEAT Receipts versions 2.8 and 3.0?

The initial release of both 2.8 and 3.0 will work on the most common 32-Bit (x86) editions of Vista. 

 

The good news is that the major PC manufacturers (Dell, HP, etc.) all ship with the 32-bit versions of Vista on the machines that they sell by default.  If you have recently purchased a computer that runs Windows Vista, you are most likely running a 32-bit version of Vista unless you uninstalled the operating system and installed a 64-bit version on the machine,.

I want to assure our advanced users who have expressed interest in a 64-bit version of NEAT Receipts that we are very excited about the benefits of 64-bit Vista and 64-bit architecture, and are carefully considering your requests as we look ahead to future versions of NEAT Receipts.

Enthusiastically,

Jeffrey Burk

VP Technology

Give this man an "Employee" marker! I do belive he deserves it.

Edit: Yay for him and the employee marker now!

That's what I get for sleeping on a cot in the corner of the NR Forums.

 

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-Jonathan Hardison-

YEAH, at least they are going from no plans at this time to "considering it"!!!!!!! I would hope that if the application is coded right it will somehow work under/ be easily ported to 64 bit os.  I won't even begin to pretend what is involved from a technical standpoint. I do know from a usage standpoint that the vast majority of what I've wanted to do / use (I'd say 95%) has worked under 64 bit thus far.  PS, the petition is now at 99 sigs...

I ordered my version 3 upgrade and I can't wait for it. I was a little surprised that my credit card was charged before it ships. It think this is bad policy expecially since it has been delayed before. I should not have to pay for a product that is not going to ship within a day.

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Kevin

_____
Vista Ultimate
Office 2007 Pro

Hi Kevin-

Thanks for posting.

I'd like some more information from you so I can check your order in our system, as you should not have been charged. Can you please email me at gumile@neatreceipts.com so we can take care of this for you?

Thanks,

Giulia Umile

I apologize. It was in pending transactions but never posted to my account. Looks like we are OK. Thank you.

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Kevin

_____
Vista Ultimate
Office 2007 Pro

So, if I read this correctly, those of us who happen to be running 64-bit Windows are hosed with NeatReceipts and must either (a) buy another machine just for running it, or (b) stop using it.  Correct?  C'mon guys.

Really, all you need to do is get rid of the absurdely short sighted version check in your installer.  There are VERY few 32 bit applications that don't run beautifully on a 64 bit os.  Vista will even let you run in 32 bit mode for individual apps.  Just add a note saying you don't take responsibility if it doesn't work right on a 64 bit OS.

 

This letter is an insult to 64 bit Vista users.  Not to mention the fact that I now have to box the whole thing up and ship it back to you for a refund, and inform everyone else in my company to not buy your product now.  It makes me wonder:  what could you possibly be so enthusiastic about?

steveropa:

Really, all you need to do is get rid of the absurdly short sighted version check in your installer.  There are VERY few 32 bit applications that don't run beautifully on a 64 bit os.  Vista will even let you run in 32 bit mode for individual apps.  Just add a note saying you don't take responsibility if it doesn't work right on a 64 bit OS.

This letter is an insult to 64 bit Vista users.  Not to mention the fact that I now have to box the whole thing up and ship it back to you for a refund, and inform everyone else in my company to not buy your product now.  It makes me wonder:  what could you possibly be so enthusiastic about?

I'll just box mine up and return the merchant where I purchased from ... let them deal with the hassle.  I'll voice my opinion of how silly it is for the makers to actively prevent 64-bit users from even installing.

Jeffrey, you sure spent a lot of effort trying to detail how high end and specialized a 64-bit OS and hardware is and how specialized their users are ... sounds like making excuses if you ask me.  I simply have 64-bit capable hardware and 4gb of RAM (which will be well used with my VMware Workstation) so if I have the option to make more of my computer by accepting a 64-bit installation, why shouldn't I?  I don't fall into any of the highly specialized elite classes of users you talked about - I'm a pretty average IT user with a new laptop.

In case you did not know, the majority of systems sold these days, outside of extreme budget systems, are 64-bit hardware.  The $769 Dell laptop I just bought for my wife is - you can't get it in a 32-bit flavor anymore.  You are showing how behind the times you are with your statements ... I guess you are happy being behind the power curve instead of innovative and ahead.

 

it's been about 6 months since their announcement on vista and 64 bit.  Im taking it they never bothered to support 64 bit OS?

I just purchased your product.  I tried to install it but was instantly told by your installer that the my operating system, Windows XP Pro x64 , was unsupported.  Imagine my shock when I find out that not only don't you support this rather obscure OS, but you also don't support Vista x64.   64 bit OS users aren't "advanced" -- they are using the latest hardware and software available.  It's not all that new, though.  These operating systems have been out for quite some time.

I see that last year you were, "...Very excited about the benefits of 64-bit Vista and 64-bit architecture...."  That was months ago.   An update of some kind would be nice.  I can't imagine it's that hard to build a 64-bit driver for your scanner.  The rest of the software should work fine with no changes.

 I'd rather not have to join the list of those returning the product to from whence it came.

 Disappointed,

 Xyzzy

 PS: I should add that I found and installed the Plustek scanner drivers. All I need is the program installer to agree to start up. 

so Xyzzy, any luck getting it to work? I have since been forced to buy a different product.

another week of using the competitor's product here.  Too bad NR doesn't update its product to with ALL modern versions of Windows.

Want to let me know what the competitor product is that works?  I have 2 64-bit Vista machines and now can't get any of my database of receipts on either of them which is very frustrating.  I'm sure it's just the installer check as I see no reason why the paplication shouldn't run on a 64-bit OS. 

hi, I'm using fujitsu snap scan, yes its bigger- not really portable.  Yes its more expensive-, even some of the software won't install (installer issues again). but it works for the main function - scanning really fast both sides of the document into pdf.