Vista 64 bit or 32 bit?

Hey guys I'm just about finished building my new computer, and I'm stuck on whether to get Windows Vista 64 bit or 32 bit. Price isn't an issue as I can get both copies for free from my university(one perk of being an engineering student). Now there's something I'm wondering about the 64bit version of Vista, do I need all of my software to support 64bit or will my old 32bit software still work on a Windows Vista 64bit installation? I know that I'll need new drivers but I was wondering if software like Civ4, or Nero etc.. will still work regularly or do I need to hunt down 64bit versions of my software?

Thanks

I have Vista64 and 4GB and really great! The future is 64 and more than 3GB of RAM. Also, SP1 is just around the corner (I installed the RC1 last night).

If you really having a specific problem and need XP, you can buy or reuse a small HD and have dual boot controlled by BIOS. This is what I do and my 2nd HD is Server 2003 for development. Work great!

So, why don't you go 64, install mainly used programs, do some testing and see if you should go back to 32bits?

Glad I could help you. It been nearly a year since introduction of Vista. Software and drivers will all be 64bits in a near future. I don't think the next version of Windows to have 32 and 64bits version. It's will be probably only 64bits.

The main reason was restriction to the amount of memory accessible. 32 bits only have a maximum of 4GB. There won't be really a huge difference in performance.

Anyway, the future is 64bits for sure. It like regular TV vs HDTV, we can't avoid it!

Yes you can, but you must first do some tricks!
http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/215 [...] ash_player

Something to keep in mind is that if you get the 64-bit version and aren't really happy, like it doesn't work with all your programs. You can send for the 32-bit disc from MS for a small fee. Like shipping costs or something.

I bought the 64-bit knowing I had that option. Never needed to use it though.

Heres a link http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvi [...] fault.mspx

I have read all the replys in this thread and as far as I can tell the only real cons to 64 bit vista is the drivers all need to be updated and a limitation for RAM. Is there any more Pros or Cons to 64 bit vs 32 bit??? I am trying to decide between 64 and 32 also.

Because not enough applications run in 64-bit Vista. This has been going on like forever. There's even a list someone made up and posted here. It might not be up to date but I doubt it's changed that much.

If you want to be able to use any application and program, 32-bit is still the version to get, I think.

Many of us are running Vista 64 and really like it. You might hit the odd app here or there that won't run but it's pretty rare at this point. If you have any older, less mainstream apps you need to run simply check them out ahead of time. Vista 64 rocks pretty well.

CS3 installed and runs fine on my Vista 64. Now I have never checked to see if they 'officially support it' neither am I a regular user of PS. Do you have any more info on this? I guess there may be a few bugs yet on some systems and Adobe will not guarantee you will get it working. Is that the idea?

Don't forget the RAM benefit. You can actually get your full 4 gig or more used on a 64 bit OS.

So, is there an updated list? Does Flash Player and other common 32-bit programs (for e.g., Firefox) run properly in 64-bit Vista?

I was considering a Windows OS to learn from for future/potential employment (if I can get it). I read that only a small percentage of businesses were going to upgrade or use Vista. So, other than the fact it is newer and will have more support, what are other reasons to get it?

I think XP is still a safe choice and since Vista failed so badly, many people want to stay with XP and therefore, XP has received a longer 'shelf life.'

There is no shortage of websites regarding the problems with Vista. Vista depends on service packs or it will remain 'sick.'

Does Vista need disk defragmenting as often as XP and 2000?

I believe that the cons/flaws with Vista regard mostly drivers and some issues that will need service pack fixes. I still think a major flaw with it is needing the faster, more advanced hardware. But, I digress.

I am mostly interested for business reasons as I am considering studying/learning (on my own and possibly, courses) Windows and other OS/networking. If I had XP and then got Vista, I wonder if it matters which computer I use for each. Can Vista work on an AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ system? I will have an Intel Quad Core system, too. Maybe Vista would be better on that? The other thing to note is that it would be OEM whether it's XP or Vista. Which version of Vista is good for networking? Can I get by with Basic? I just need the OS to learn networking and run programs/hardware that 'needs' Windows.

It would be to obtain designation or certification. I am not sure yet which operating systems are taught, maybe both? I think I will consider an OEM version of Vista Premium just so I can become familiar with it. I'll probably have XP retail as well.

I do not mean to knit pick your comment. I just feel it is important to be as correct as possible so as not to deceive any noobs. Vista 32 bit can only take up to 3.5 GB of Ram. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605

For the record, I agree with you that the future is 64 bit. This is unfortunate for me in some ways and not others as my board has only 32 bit compatibility. 4 DIMM slots @ 1024MB each. My PC is just over the 3 GB thresh hold at 3086 MB. I wonder how long I get to enjoy that? For now my PC with all the software and apps is running perfectly. I guess I will have to *caugh* upgrade down the road. Woo Hoo!

Now back to enjoying this interesting thread...

Really? So you are saying that you can factor in the memory of a graphics card to get a total and maximum of 4GB then?