This may be a stupid question.

[JPSke]

I'm building a new PC to take with me when I go back to college in a few weeks. Core is a P35C mobo, Q6600 after the price drops, 8800GTS 320, 4 Gigs of RAM. I am having trouble with the OS however. I think I need 64 bit Vista to utilize the 4 gigs of RAM and avoid having to upgrade in a year, but I'm not sure exactly what the deal with Vista is. I thought this looked like a good deal for an OS:
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5119696

Since I'm going 4 Gigs of memory and a Q6600 I should get the 64 bit version right? I'm not sure I understand how to go about doing that. The only 64 bit version for sale anywhere seems to be the Ultimate package. I don't need that. If I read correctly I can purchase the OEM Vista Basic package linked above and then have them send me the 64 bit version DVD free of charge right? I followed this link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windo...ta/editions/64bit.mspx

It seems to indicate that I can get a 64 bit version of Home Basic, but it says order and asks for a credit card, and I could not go through the process to the point where it shows a price without the information from the Vista basic package that I'm not sure if I should order. Basically I need someone to tell me whether by buying the OS linked initially I can get the 64 bit edition and utilize all my hardware, and if not what I am missing. Thanks.

 

[Schadenfroh]

32bit can use 4gbs, just not any more than that.

The ultimate package includes both 32bit and 64bit. But with the other versions, you have to chose.

Amazon sells an OEM 64bit version of Vista Basic:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsof...Builders/dp/B000MFDJ06

as well as 64bit business:
http://www.amazon.com/Microsof...&qid=1183601929&sr=1-1

However, I strongly suggest that you purchase it through your university if your university is part of the MSDNAA:
http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/academic/default.aspx

Like a good dealer, Microsoft is there to hook the young

 

[JPSke]

Ok my school is listed(University of Tennessee Knoxville), but assuming I am eligible(I am an accounting/finance major) how would I use the free download to install Vista on a fresh new PC? Download on another PC and burn it to a dvd?