64-bit users: How do you browse w/x64 without x64 plug-in's?

[Crunch]

Internet Explorer 7 in 64-bit mode: Awesome! Minefield, otherwise known as Firefox 3 Beta 3, the only x64 Firefox browser currently available. Incredible...BUT! There are no Flash/Shockwave, amongst others, 64-bit plug-in's available, so I am forced to use FF2 x86, as well as IE7 x86, and I don't understand how anybody browses without, at a minimum, the Adobe Flash Player plug-in.

Most sites that I frequent require the Adobe Flash player, some do the Shockwave, too. I watch a lot of CNN and NBC News, and both of those, amongst many others, require the Flash player. Is anyone aware of beta plug-in's, or an ETA as to when they'll be released? Is there any other (temporary) solution that I am unaware of.

Thx all!

 

[Brink]

Hi Crunch,

You just figured out why M$ included the 32 bit and 64 bit IE7 in the 64 bit Vista.

We are all in the same boat on having to use the 32 bit IE7 until and if they come out with the add-ons.

Sorry,
Shawn

 

[FightingScallion]

Yeah...why can't they even make Silverlight 64-bit?

 

[Brink]

FightingScallion,

It would be nice if they did. I do not understand all of the complexities involved, but from I hear it is not a simple task to create a 64 bit version of the flash player for whatever reason.

 

[Crunch]

Thanks guys...Alright, then it won't matter when FF3 (I use FF2.0.0.12) comes out I guess. As for Silverlight. When I installed it into the x86 folder, I was surprised, too.

Do you experience any performance/speed increase using your 32-bit browser on Vista x64? I want to say that I notice a little improvement. Hmm...?

 

[Brink]

Crunch,

I notice a slight improvement using the 64 bit IE7, but I suppose it's due to less or no add-ons installed for it.

Shawn

 

[Crunch]

Hah...Shawn, yea, I think you're right. Hey, at least both IE7 and FF2 work equally as well/fast, etc. on x64. How difficult is it to get a plug-in of Flash Player out there?? I realize that the first priority was for the masses, 32-bit Vista users, to get Vista x86 plug-in's. And rightly so. But it's been well over a year.

Maybe they're waiting for the official release of SP1. I just thought of that. We're running the RTM, while Adobe, and others hopefully, are kicking the RTM back to MS, along with a 64-bit plug-in. One of the benefits of SP1 is that it supposedly makes it easier for software vendors to design applications, including the mini-mini-mini ones...like a darn plug-in. lol...

So maybe later this month then...

 

[Brink]

Crunch,

There's no telling when they will develop a 64 bit Flash Player add-on version. There has been no rumors or anything about it on the net that I can find.

Hopefully before there is a 128 bit Windows version. LOL

Shawn

 

[FightingScallion]

Apparently the Linux people have been begging for 64-bit Flash for a couple years and been told just wait. If you look here (Flash Player support on 64-bit operating systems), you can see the periodic update that Adobe makes on the Flash thing. I've been watching this since I loaded my OS last summer, and the only thing that seems to have changed is the date on the bottom.