Vista 64 -- nightmare over

Last year I replaced my desktop computer. Not before time, as I'd had it for 5 years, during which time the only upgrade was additional memory and new peripherals (NEC Spectraview 2190 monitor, Wacom tablet, USB disk drives). In an attempt to make the new machine last as long as possible, I went for a 64-bit operating system. This means you can use more memory, which should speed up heavy-duty processing of photographic images. Seemed a good idea to future-proof against the demands of higher-resolution cameras. I thought I'd checked that my existing kit was compatible. But not carefully enough, it transpired.

Here's a list of (the most important) stuff that didn't work for me:

Canon driver for 5D camera (web searches suggested this is down to the installer rather than the driver itself)

Adobe Photoshop (CS3) Bridge (various windows mysteriously greyed over; increasingly frequent crashes)

Nikon CoolScan 5000 35mm film scanner (no 64-bit drivers available)

Wacom Intuos 3 graphics tablet (all sorts of hassles)

Asus WL-BTD201M Bluetooth dongle (failed to install)

Installation of ICC profiles

Sound card (stopped working)


Of course, it's possible that some of the above was down to user error. I've been using PCs for over 20 years but have never considered myself an expert. Just learned as much as I needed to get by, with the aid of a resourceful and helpful local supplier: The Real Computer Shop. After patiently fielding my frustration for many weeks, they finally advised me to give up and revert to 32-bit XP. I've now been running that for a week. Bliss! I'd forgotten what it's like when everything installs and works first time. Of course it may be that a more expert user wouldn't have had as much grief. But I suspect my own computer skills are no worse than average. So, if anyone considering a 64-bit system finds this posting, I hope it might save you hassle.

Geoff Roe on Photographic Composition

An intriguing 5-star short review in Amateur Photographer dated 3 January '09 led me to a brilliant, self-published book by Geoff Roe on Photographic Composition. The author is a retired academic, and this succinct little book chimes with my background in psychology, as well as making frequent links with painting and music. Informed by cognitive science, it goes far beyond the usual, hugely dissatisfying, platitudes about the Rule of Thirds and Lead-in Lines. Very informative and refreshing. ISBN 978-0-9529867-2-0, available from GE Roe, PO Box 220, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 2UZ, for £12 plus £2 p&p.