Post by: ATiC3 on October 08, 2009, 07:10:39 PM
As a recent Vista user, I am highly anticipating 7's release. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get the RC1 for my new PC a few months ago.... but I am definitely getting the operating system when it releases. I hear many good things about it. I should be getting it within the first few weeks of release...
Anyone else?
Edit:
How do you know if your PC is too old to have/get it? :-??It all depends on what you have in your PC. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements)
IT'S OUT! GO AND GET IT!
Post by: MaverickZr0 on October 08, 2009, 07:21:49 PM
Post by: MuηkyMØÜf on October 08, 2009, 07:24:27 PM
Post by: Magma MK-II on October 08, 2009, 07:45:16 PM
Post by: KPT25 on October 08, 2009, 09:00:52 PM
How do you know if your PC is too old to have/get it? :-??
I'd like to know that as well...i'm actually interested in maybe changing OS if this is better than Vista(haven't tested it,and i never will)
Post by: Berkay on October 08, 2009, 10:24:15 PM
Post by: x_mad80 on October 09, 2009, 12:02:06 AM
Post by: ATiC3 on October 09, 2009, 12:19:42 AM
Wait, so is it like a downloadable update? How does it work? I too would like Windows 7.No, you have to purchase it from a store like Best Buy. Best Buy would probably be the best place to get it. I tried asking my college if they were getting it, but they weren't... Which means I have to go some place else to buy it.
How do you know if your PC is too old to have/get it? :-??It all depends on what you have in your PC. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/system-requirements)
Post by: Excursion on October 09, 2009, 03:52:44 AM
Post by: Darkgargos on October 09, 2009, 04:59:59 AM
Post by: Magma MK-II on October 09, 2009, 10:25:27 AM
Post by: Excursion on October 09, 2009, 01:19:39 PM
I may move to Win7 after it's been out for a while and gets it's first service pack. I'm skeptical of M$ and would rather wait and see it get tested thoroughly first by the mass populace. The public can be guinea pigs to make sure it's safe before making the plunge. For now, it's the safer route with XP till Win7 is proven for a fact it is better, more efficient and more secure.
That's what makes Windows 7 that much better. "M$" put the Windows 7 beta program in the hands of the mass public and the feedback they got in terms of stability, issues, problems is what has been worked on and fixed. Anyone at anytime could have downloaded Windows 7 from M$'s site and installed it on their computers.
Post by: DARKTALBAIN on October 09, 2009, 01:24:57 PM
Post by: MuηkyMØÜf on October 09, 2009, 01:25:47 PM
That's what makes Windows 7 that much better. "M$" put the Windows 7 beta program in the hands of the mass public and the feedback they got in terms of stability, issues, problems is what has been worked on and fixed. Anyone at anytime could have downloaded Windows 7 from M$'s site and installed it on their computers.
apparently I didnt read the site right or I missed it. I coulda swore it said purchase Windows 7. *upgrade from XP
Post by: Darkgargos on October 10, 2009, 03:17:34 AM
That's what makes Windows 7 that much better. "M$" put the Windows 7 beta program in the hands of the mass public and the feedback they got in terms of stability, issues, problems is what has been worked on and fixed. Anyone at anytime could have downloaded Windows 7 from M$'s site and installed it on their computers.
Yeah, I know about the so called beta version and I heard good things, but I'm still gonna wait even after the official release just to be on the safe side. I'm not in any rush to switch at the moment so I will just see how things go. I intend to upgrade when it's time to build a new PC.
Post by: ATiC3 on October 10, 2009, 09:43:34 PM
Yeah, I know about the so called beta version and I heard good things, but I'm still gonna wait even after the official release just to be on the safe side. I'm not in any rush to switch at the moment so I will just see how things go. I intend to upgrade when it's time to build a new PC.Very true. You still have Windows XP, which is great. I used to have XP, but my PC hardware was bad so I had to get new ones... apparently they were too new to handle XP.. I was like.. okay... So, from what I've heard I'll definitely get 7, but if I were like you and still had a PC with Windows XP.. I wouldn't bother until a new pc came along.
Note: For incoming pc and laptop users... I've read somewhere that starting between October 22nd and November 1st new desktop PCs and laptops will come with Windows 7. So, save up and get them between then. Make sure to ask if it comes with it... It'd be better than paying for a laptop that has Windows Vista, then finding out Windows 7's out and paying $220 for that, too...
Post by: Darkgargos on October 10, 2009, 09:48:29 PM
Post by: MaverickZr0 on October 11, 2009, 03:46:16 AM
Post by: ATiC3 on October 11, 2009, 02:09:20 PM
What's wrong with Vista exactly? I don't see anything wrong with it or really see any differences from when I had an XP except that my Vista is substantially faster. (I hear Vista is really bad but never understood why.)Tons of program issues (even some of the default ones), graphic cards have been known to get the BSOD in Vista more than in XP, and tons of compatibility issues. Windows 7 should fix all of that and more!
Post by: volzzilla on October 13, 2009, 10:56:40 AM
have any of you windows 7 users noticed anything like that, or noticed any trouble with mugen itself working incorrectly?
Post by: Excursion on October 15, 2009, 12:44:26 AM
Post by: volzzilla on October 15, 2009, 03:08:08 AM
Nope. MUGEN works just fine on Windows 7.so not a single character has ever been incompatible? cool. i think i recall someone saying punisher wouldnt work on their vista.
Post by: Excursion on October 18, 2009, 08:18:58 PM
so not a single character has ever been incompatible? cool. i think i recall someone saying punisher wouldnt work on their vista.
MUGEN runs fine in Windows 7 along with every character I have ever tried (Punisher included.)
Post by: ATiC3 on October 18, 2009, 11:16:44 PM
Post by: Fallen_Angel on October 18, 2009, 11:22:13 PM
so not a single character has ever been incompatible? cool. i think i recall someone saying punisher wouldnt work on their vista.
Some chars ....for a weird reason, doesnt work properly, on visita, using Fighter Factory (unless you put it in compatible mode)
Post by: ATiC3 on October 19, 2009, 01:29:20 AM
Post by: ATiC3 on October 21, 2009, 12:35:08 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRjnTQyJazY# (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRjnTQyJazY#)
Post Merge: October 22, 2009, 02:29:15 AM
First post update. Poll will be locked in a few days....
Post by: Whoblehwah on October 23, 2009, 08:29:06 PM
Post by: xPreatorianx on October 23, 2009, 10:34:28 PM
Again I highly and I mean highly recommend Windows 7. Its all the stability and performance of win XP (I have used that os for years!) with the bells and whistles of vista. Its a perfect sandwich of stability, performance and eye candy. Plus the customizations you can do on windows 7 without any third party apps is amazing. You can change the color and transparency of the whole UI plus add your own custom logon screen without any applications what so ever. It comes right out of the box with Windows 7 ultimate(can't verify for other versions)
But basically if you want a OS that is as stable and compatible as windows XP GET WINDOWS 7. Plus for anyone who downloads/installs a lot of applications daily the windows 7 HDD management is amazing. You don't have to defrag your hard drives every week like with vista/XP. I only run defrag once every 3 months its that good. Plus memory management (read RAM) is generations ahead of vista.
The OS is rock solid. Plus if you have a good enough machine (I don't, my processor does not have the tech) you can emulate any OS. Plus it has a built in emulator for XP. If you have a program that just won't work under windows 7 toggle it for XP (don't know how because my processor does not support it) and when you launch the program, the window will change to XP. So basically the one program will have full windows XP emulation and will run.
But I know M$ has messed up a lot over the years but windows 7 is vista done right. Completely forget vista it does not exsist. Windows 7 is the new and improved vista. So take the fail from vista completely out of your mind. It does not exist anymore trust me!
My system specs incase anyone is interested :
AMD Athlon XP 64 X2 4200+ (socket 939 ancient by today's standards) clocked at 2.2 GHZ for both cores.
2X XFX Nvidia 8800 GT Alpha dog edition (not sure if it is alpha dog.) (Overclocked straight out of the factory)
A8n-SLI Premium motherboard (socket 939! duh)
Onboard sound
2 Gigs of DDR400 (ANCIENT!!!)
Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit
thats my machine. Old as a dinosaur by today's standards but it runs win 7 perfectly and any game I can throw at it Still!
EDIT : one last thing and then I will shut up. The new task bar (super bar as of win7) is basically a dock that stardock loves to throw out. So if you have 5-10+ applications that you use on a daily basis and don't feel like minimizing anything to access them. Right click on the shortcut of the program and hit pin to taskbar. That simple. Also they added a new fill manager called libraries (read FAVORITES) so if you have 3-5 folders on different hdds or even on different levels of 1 HDD. Set it in the library and just click on the library shortcut (already on your taskbar) and all those folders will be in one location for you to go through. The library system is a backend for windows explorer. It is tied directly into windows explorer.
Post by: ATiC3 on October 24, 2009, 03:04:11 AM
"Yes, this is Windows 7 Professional 32-BIT OEM version... I don't know what OEM stands for, so I looked it up.. OEM is a release to the manufacturer.... I think really... this is just the retail copy half priced... So go and get it soon.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Microsoft-Windows-7-Professional-32BIT-Operating-System_W0QQitemZ230391062025QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Software?hash=item35a4609e09 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Microsoft-Windows-7-Professional-32BIT-Operating-System_W0QQitemZ230391062025QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Software?hash=item35a4609e09)
EDIT: They explain the difference here... it's really very little differences... http://www.techsupportforum.com/microsoft-support/windows-xp-support/422054-windows-oem-retail.html (http://www.techsupportforum.com/microsoft-support/windows-xp-support/422054-windows-oem-retail.html)
Post by: xPreatorianx on October 24, 2009, 01:16:24 PM
EDIT2: Also if you have a quad core and at least 4 gigs of ram, or even a dual core with 4 gigs of ram. Get the 64bit version. 32bit will be sh*t with 4gigs or more. It cannot manage or even see 4 or more of ram on a 32bit operating system. So if you have tons of ram and a dual or quad get 64bit. It is def worth it!
Post by: ATiC3 on October 25, 2009, 12:50:44 AM
Home Premium
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=windows+7+home+premium&x=17&y=27 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=windows+7+home+premium&x=17&y=27)
Professional
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=windows+7+professional&x=0&y=0 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=windows+7+professional&x=0&y=0)
Ultimate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=windows+7+ultimate&x=0&y=0 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=windows+7+ultimate&x=0&y=0)
NOTE: Don't get the upgrades, because I believe they are only good for one upgrade and can only be used if you install Vista again then that again... you're better off getting the 32bit or 64bit OEM or Retail versions. Like xPx said, the only true differences between OEM and Retail is that when buying OEM it doesn't come in a fancy case with a fancy manual, and you can't call or email Microsoft for help for anything about your pc..... So... really.. you can get needed information from online and fellow techies...
Post by: Kid Chyllen™♪ on October 25, 2009, 01:00:50 AM
win7 is a redesigned vista os. it is faster than vista on my sony vaio notebook (core2duo 1,66ghz; 2GB internal memory). i got it for free from my university :)
Heh Heh , U lucky %%- son-of-a-b***h :D
Post by: xPreatorianx on October 25, 2009, 06:03:48 PM
Also never get upgrade copies. upgrades on any operating system built by M$ will give you a huge pain later down the road. It may not be the first month or 2 but after the OS has time to bake on the system it will start to become unstable. Windows 7 did that to me the first time. I did not wanna lose all my information so I did an upgrade. ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS do a completely fresh install.
There are so many programs now adays to help with backing up personal files and documents so you should not have a reason to not do a complete format and install. Unless you don't have enough HDD space for the backup. Which can be an issue. but 1 TeraByte drives are so cheap now its unbelievable.
EDIT : Or do what im doing in the next few weeks and find a old computer that you or a friend or employee has lieing around. Buy it off of one of those people and buy some HDDs and turn that computer into a file and storage server. So that every week you can set your main computer to backup all files on the computer and move them to the file server.
File servers can be extremely old. The power needs to be invested into the harddrives nothing else. Just pop linux on to that server and it runs like a dream. But be warned (im experiencing it now) Linux has a huge learning curve if you were raised around windows. It is really intimidating so have some knowledge on computers and the IT field before even attempting to put linux on the file server. I have completely screwed up my ubuntu (one of the linux distros) on this computer several times. Its a blast to try and get it back up. But its a pain as well.
Post by: ♦ßlôödÑinjå♦ on October 26, 2009, 01:11:15 PM
after i finish using it , stay tuned you could get a official copy off me really cheap.
Post by: xPreatorianx on October 26, 2009, 03:29:30 PM
Post by: ATiC3 on October 26, 2009, 11:39:52 PM
I Just finished winning Windows 7 Home premium on ebay , I plan on selling the discwtf are you doing? Keep the disc and the key in case something goes haywire and you need to re-install... o.O#
after i finish using it , stay tuned you could get a official copy off me really cheap.
Post by: ♦ßlôödÑinjå♦ on October 27, 2009, 04:58:23 PM
wtf are you doing? Keep the disc and the key in case something goes haywire and you need to re-install... o.O#it comes with two version the x64 and the x32 silly.
Post by: xPreatorianx on October 27, 2009, 07:49:19 PM
EDIT : Unless you don't use windows update. Which now adays will still return a useless copy because windows update will make or break an OS.
Post by: ♦ßlôödÑinjå♦ on October 27, 2009, 07:52:25 PM
Then if you sell either Architecture (32bit or 64bit) the key and disk become useless as long as you have the other version. You can't use the key from the same box at the same time. Wether its on 32 or 64. M$ will see it and put the key on a blacklist which will result in both the copies being useless unless you buy yet another key.A i see now but I'm sure there will always be keys floating around in the internet.
EDIT : Unless you don't use windows update. Which now adays will still return a useless copy because windows update will make or break an OS.
Post by: ATiC3 on October 28, 2009, 07:00:02 PM
Post by: xPreatorianx on October 28, 2009, 08:03:38 PM
Trust me I know everything about keys when it has to do with Windows. Ive been using windows since I was 2. :P
So if you decide to actually sell the copy. Give away both 32 bit + 64bit (in the retail box) and then dispose of the key and format your system. If not don't sell the copy. Im only saying this to cover you. If you don't do that it will end really badly.
Post by: x_mad80 on October 29, 2009, 11:25:34 AM
Post by: ATiC3 on October 29, 2009, 04:00:11 PM
Post by: xPreatorianx on October 29, 2009, 04:05:00 PM
EDIT: BTW you can fully customize your desktop. Change the color scheme(competely transparent or any color you want) and you can also use a wallpaper as a custom login screen. Takes 2 seconds to enable custom backgrounds for the login screen. If you guys wanna know how to do it. Just let me know. There are some requirements tho. The image has to be in .JPG and can be no larger then 256 KB. Still makes good backgrounds tho.
EDIT2 : Guide to changing logon screen in windows 7
1. start the group policy editor (gpedit.msc) using your favourite method.
2. go to the following branch: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Logon
3. set “Always use custom logon background” to enabled. (right click it and hit edit. Then hit enabled. )
4. select the image you want to use as your background. it must be of the same dimensions as your primary monitor’s desktop resolution. the filesize must be less than 256kb, must be of jpg format, and must be saved as “backgroundDefault.jpg”. take note of the case!
5. browse to “c:\windows\system32\oobe\info\backgrounds”. if the directories are not available, create them.
6. paste the image we have selected in step 4 into the directory in step 5.
7. Done!
Should be pretty straight forward. Just remember to resize your image depending on your desktop or as close to it. If not the image will be scaled up if you have a big resolution.
Easiest way to start the gpedit.msc is by using the search field on the windows start menu. Type it in and then right click , run as admin. If anyone needs any help let me know.
After that is all said and done. Then log off and log back in and while logging in you will be greeted with your new logon screen. For far better logon screens (its a pretty basic feature so far.) use a 3rd party app. But this method is if you don't feel like downloading another app that will add precious seconds to your startup time.
Post by: JDubbs on November 03, 2009, 03:57:51 AM
Post by: ♦ßlôödÑinjå♦ on November 03, 2009, 07:45:34 AM
it's like Xp on steroids and that's a good thing , there's a list of compatible comp models
on the site.
Post by: ATiC3 on November 03, 2009, 05:18:49 PM
Post by: xPreatorianx on November 03, 2009, 06:31:36 PM
Never get an upgrade copy. It may not seem an issue soon after upgrading but it will in the long run. It slowly cripples the OS. Its like a virus that activates on startup.
Also Windows 7 can run on virtually any machine that has been out for a good 4-5 years. Unless you run an old 386 (300MHZ + processor IIRC) then you can run it. Windows 7 is capable of running on netbooks (only use they have is getting on the net) so if a cheap netbook can run it. A full desktop computer can run it. You may not be able to use all the bells and whistles. but it will run.
But if you can run vista, you can run windows 7 better.
1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit) (this can be lower but it may be slower)
16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Run this program to see if your system is compatible with windows 7.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx)
Download link is at the bottom of the page. Its blue.
If it says you can run it (ignore the compatibility issues unless it is a driver) then you can run it. But keep in mind if any compatibility issues are discovered usually they can be fixed. All you have to do is look for the driver online or disable enforced driver signing. Then install driver, reboot, and windows update will find a compatible driver.
Post by: Kid Chyllen™♪ on November 03, 2009, 06:58:47 PM
cause Vista is really busting my balls ~X(
Post by: JDubbs on November 03, 2009, 07:23:02 PM
now to get windows 7.
Post by: ATiC3 on November 07, 2009, 10:19:09 PM
I'm loving the simplicity of it. I like how the color of the borders stay the same too. That annoyed me in Vista.. and oh hey, my Windows Media Player works (for now.. ;*))).
Post by: volzzilla on November 12, 2009, 12:05:31 PM
edited:
okay i was having issues with using extract now and 7zip before, but now got them to work.
however, on XP 7zip gave the ability to right click open a compressed file. from what it looks like, that is not an option on windows 7. although if someone knows how to apply this, please let me know.
Post by: xPreatorianx on November 24, 2009, 05:54:02 PM
Also I just purchased a full retail copy of Windows 7 professional from newegg. It should be here by Friday.
Post by: fer619 on December 01, 2009, 07:46:21 PM
Post by: xPreatorianx on December 01, 2009, 09:00:04 PM
Ill be putting windows 7 pro on this computer in the next day or so. I got the full retail version so I have 32bit and 64bit.
Post by: ATiC3 on December 01, 2009, 10:08:35 PM
I ordered windows 7 last week and it got here a long with my parts for my server machine yesterday. So I have windows 7 professional plus my server to tweak.64 bit would probably be better.. It's a little more difficult where to navigate in the program files though... Though if you're playing games like me.. I have quite a few games + 2 MUGENs... I just made a separate Games folder, because I have 64bit and don't like navigating between those 2 program files... even my antivirus is out of the program files... lol..
Ill be putting windows 7 pro on this computer in the next day or so. I got the full retail version so I have 32bit and 64bit.
Post by: nick09 on December 09, 2009, 10:36:40 AM
Post by: xPreatorianx on December 09, 2009, 12:26:51 PM
64 bit would probably be better.. It's a little more difficult where to navigate in the program files though... Though if you're playing games like me.. I have quite a few games + 2 MUGENs... I just made a separate Games folder, because I have 64bit and don't like navigating between those 2 program files... even my antivirus is out of the program files... lol..
64bit more difficult? How do you figure? lol, only difference is the 32 bit system folder and program folder is mirrored with a 64bit version. Plus with 64bit its got better control over memory and CPU. Really the only difference. So with 64bit its got better multi threading, and more instruction sets.
I have no problems on any system I base my computer on, with respect to windows. I reformatted Monday and I'm running full retail 64bit version of windows 7 Professional.
Program Files (x86) and Program Files (64bit has no additonal numbers.) is easy to find. Its in the same location. Root of your OS drive. So it takes all of 10 seconds to find a program if you don't have a shortcut.
Before I reformatted I was running 64bit. So its nothing new to me. Don't worry about me with any windows OS. I know my way around windows like the back of my hand.
Only way I would be completely off is if M$ designed a completely new OS and then call it windows. Basically throw out the entire OS, kernal and all. Then make a new one. That would trip me up but I would figure it out.
I also have about 5 HDD's so my whole system is organized like crazy. I have a whole HDD dedicated to games.
Also in the next 3-4 years Windows 8 will be out (M$ is starting development soon because of their contract with OEMS.) and I suggest everyone to stick with Windows 7.
Windows 8 will be the first OS to drop 32bit entirely. Which means unless the software companies get their act together that will throw out compatibility with 95% of all software known. 64bit has been around since the early 90s but we are just starting to get software developers to actually code for it.
Now M$ has to push for 128bit and throw 32bit out because you can't have 3 different architectures for programs on an OS. It will thrash compatibility and be a huge pain in the butt to write support for it in the kernal. So Windows 8 is completely ditching 32 bit. So now it will be 64bit and 128 bit. So hopefully by the time that happens software dev's will be on the ball with 64bit programming and we won't have to think before switching over.
EDIT: I got the full retail not really for the 32bit version, but because I'm buying a new computer soon (a custom rig I'm building.) so I needed full retail so I could remove the one on this computer and get it on my new one. OEM locks to your hadware (found that out recently.) so I couldn't bring it to a new system.
Post by: ATiC3 on December 09, 2009, 05:55:18 PM
Post by: xPreatorianx on December 09, 2009, 10:14:01 PM
lol, I still don't understand why its so difficult. Instead of 1 folder to look in its 2. I have 4 HDD's. Most of my regular apps go into my C: drive under 32bit or 64bit. But my games go on another hard drive under 32 or 64bit. My backup files are on other HDD's.
It shouldn't be that hard. When you install a program it sticks it where it needs to go. Then just access either the start menu or a shortcut on the desktop to run the program.
I don't know maybe its just me because of the fact I was raised around windows all my life so I know where everything could possibly be. So when I look for a program it takes all of 30 seconds to check both the main program files folders.
Also Windows does have a search, you know that right? Just enter the program's name into the search on the start menu and bam it instantly comes up.
It's also bad for the OS, it will spell trouble later in it's life span. Plus how does creating more folders make it any easier? Now you are going from 2 dedicated folders to numerous folders? I'm highly confused.
Atice how long have you been using computers?
Post by: ATiC3 on December 09, 2009, 10:18:46 PM
P.S. I've been using pc's since 95.
Post by: xPreatorianx on December 10, 2009, 11:19:48 AM
I'm saying it's hard to navigate, because if I don't want the 64bit version of a program I have to go to PF(x86), if I do I go to the regular one... I'm confused by it because they should've done it like: Program Files, then Program Files(x64)... Would've been much more easier for me since I don't use much x64.... I only have 64bit because I got 8GB of RAM in my pc and I'd like to use all of it.
P.S. I've been using pc's since 95.
It's harder for you because you are probably not used to X86 and X64. Me its nothing new because I am a geek with computers. So I know everything behind those 2 numbers. Computers are my field of choice so I tend to try and find really hard stuff to do and figure it out. X86 is the 32 bit. See it as if it was your old computer programs. From say windows 98 SE days. 64bit (Program Files) are new. Just look at it that way.
But whatever works for you m8, I'm just saying it sounds like sooner or later your gonna crash your system. M$ made the Program Files folder for a reason. Plus I think if you want your X86 (32bit) programs to run properly you need a folder with that extension. its almost like the folder has an actual extension like say .exe, .JPG, .PNG. It needs that folder to run in because it tells the OS you are running a 32bit program or it may think its a 64bit and may have issues.
Don't quote me on that tho because I have never tested it. I stick to those 2 program folders. Even on other drives. When I install a game I just change the drive letter to my games HDD and it still keeps the same folder structure like it would be if it was on my root drive.
But if it works for you, it works for you. Just be careful. You know how picky windows can be :P.
Me, I'm now trying to learn the ins and outs of linux plus learn how to code programs to work in windows. That is my ultimate Career, either that or Computer maintenance/repair.