Vista 64 bit or 32 bit?

[BoomerD]

Other than being able to use/recognize more system memory, what are the advantages of going with a 64 bit OS?
I have Vista Ultimate in both 32 and 64 bit versions.

I'll be building a new PC in the next couple of weeks.

I know some drivers may be an issue, but (AFAIK) most 32 bit programs should work fine.

 

[lxskllr]

Memory's the main thing, but I think Vista64 may be a little more secure due to the required driver signing. I'd use 64bit for any new build that isn't reliant on legacy programs. As long as your devices were made in the last few years, there should be drivers available. Printers, scanners, and small peripherals would be most likely to not have drivers. You could check those before you install to be sure.

Edit:
I've been running Vista64 since October 07, and the only thing that hasn't had drivers is an old Microtek scanner. Otherwise, no issues.

 

[tcsenter]

How much RAM will be installed? 64-bit has between 20% and 30% higher memory/resource usage due to side-by-side compatibility, longer pointers/addresses, and more bloat. So I hesitate to install 64-bit on systems that won't have more than 2GB RAM unless the user intends to run real 64-bit applications for the performance benefits (e.g. video encoding/editing).

Otherwise, there shouldn't be any issues unless you intend to use some older hardware or application versions, some really older games, or specialized non-consumer apps that only get re-written every ~10 years. e.g. some business applications for automotive diagnostic or repair applications, invoicing and billing, there are a ton out there where the vendor/developer says only Windows XP/2000 is supported. Many work just fine under the 32-bit compatibility features but some of them don't. And no 16-bit applications (or 32-bit applications that still use some 16-bit code).

 

[BoomerD]

Yeah, I have a few old games that may (or may not) work...but some of them don't work with 32 bit Vista anyway...Most likely, I'll be installing 8 Mb of DDR3 for the Sandy Bridge i5-2500K processor.
I've already downloaded the 64 bit drivers for my printers, so I'm good to go there.

 

[Cstefan]

I'd probably rather use XP over vista, but there is no reason not to go 64bit if you have more than 3gb of ram.

*get 7 x64 instead*

 

[tcsenter]

Install both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of these:

Visual C++ Runtimes (2010 is the latest)
Java 32-bit and 64-bit

Mostly you'll be using the 32-bit, especially for browsers, but the 32-bit versions aren't included or aren't offered through Windows Update unless its an update to existing installation.

 

[BoomerD]

I'd probably rather use XP over vista, but there is no reason not to go 64bit if you have more than 3gb of ram.

*get 7 x64 instead*

I'd rather have W-7, but I already have teh Vista...2 full sets.

Install both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of these:

Visual C++ Runtimes (2010 is the latest)
Java 32-bit and 64-bit

Mostly you'll be using the 32-bit, especially for browsers, but the 32-bit versions aren't included or aren't offered through Windows Update unless its an update to existing installation.

Good idea...thanks.

 

[Oil]

I'd rather have W-7, but I already have teh Vista...2 full sets.

Vista SP2 really isn't that bad. I have Vista Business x86 (got if free from Microsoft years ago) on my new computer and it really does not feel any different from W7. Miss having the W7 taskbar though

 

[lxskllr]

Vista SP2 really isn't that bad. I have Vista Business x86 (got if free from Microsoft years ago) on my new computer and it really does not feel any different from W7. Miss having the W7 taskbar though

I prefer Vista. I have a copy of Win7 I'll likely never use. A large part of that is the taskbar :^D I prefer Vista's looks, and I like the classic taskbar style. Win7's alright, but if given a choice, I'll take Vista every time.

 

[Oil]

I prefer Vista. I have a copy of Win7 I'll likely never use. A large part of that is the taskbar :^D I prefer Vista's looks, and I like the classic taskbar style. Win7's alright, but if given a choice, I'll take Vista every time.

I'll gladly take that copy of W7 off your hands ^_^

 

[lxskllr]

If it were a retail package, I'd have already sold it. Is an academic copy, and they can't really be transferred. Anyone who got it would risk having the key blacklisted.

 

[BoomerD]

If it were a retail package, I'd have already sold it. Is an academic copy, and they can't really be transferred. Anyone who got it would risk having the key blacklisted.

I have a .edu email address...wanna trade for a Vista 32 and 64 set? 😛

 

[caspur]

Is this the digital river edition? If you have the actual DVD media I offer $30 as trade.

I am currently dating a college chick, so I qualify for the academic discount.