Will 32 bit Vista Home Premium last me 4 years?

[tigersty1e]

I plan on buying 32 bit Vista Home Premium and want it to at least last me for my next build in 2-3 years time.

Is it feasible?


Also, according to this websiite http://www.microsoft.com/windo...a/editions/choose.mspx

The only differences between Home premium and ultimate is this.

1. Protect against hardware failure
with Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore


2. Windows Fax and Scan
Easily send and receive faxes or scan documents and images with Windows Fax and Scan


3. Easier remote access for your business
Get to the resources and applications you need with Remote Desktop Connection


4. Better protect your data
against loss with Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption



I definitely won't be using option 2 or 3.

Can someone better explain option 1 and 4? Thanks.

 

[Tarrant64]

Originally posted by: tigersty1e
I plan on buying 32 bit Vista Home Premium and want it to at least last me for my next build in 2-3 years time.

Is it feasible?


Also, according to this websiite http://www.microsoft.com/windo...a/editions/choose.mspx

The only differences between Home premium and ultimate is this.

1. Protect against hardware failure
with Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore

Hah! Nothing truly protects again hardware failure. Anyone can back up and restore their software without Vista Ultimate Edition. When hardware fails, it fails. Have a backup, do a restore, and you're good.

2. Windows Fax and Scan
Easily send and receive faxes or scan documents and images with Windows Fax and Scan
You could fax and scan without it before, can still do it now.


3. Easier remote access for your business
Get to the resources and applications you need with Remote Desktop Connection

Most users never use Remote Desktop Connection. Even in the business setting unless you work generally in IT(this is a general assumption by me, don't quote me).

4. Better protect your data
against loss with Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption




I definitely won't be using option 2 or 3.

Can someone better explain option 1 and 4? Thanks.

1 and 4 really seem like the same thing to me. And you don't need Ultimate to do these things either. Not for the price they want anyways.


32-bit is the thing that should truly be changed. Go for 64-bit Home Premium because in a couple years if you need more than 2GB of ram, you're only going to get there with 64-bit. You're going to hit the ~3.5GB barrier with 32-bit Vista.

 

[tigersty1e]

I just found out that retail versions come with both 32bit and 64 bit versions. All it takes is a call and 10 bucks S+H.

 

[imported_djnes]

Definitely go with the x64 version. The first thing you'd probably change, aside from a video card, is to add more memory. That would save you from having to reinstall to go with the x64 version later.

 

[videopho]

Originally posted by: djnes
Definitely go with the x64 version. The first thing you'd probably change, aside from a video card, is to add more memory. That would save you from having to reinstall to go with the x64 version later.

I agree.
64 bit is much more future proof than 32, say 2 years from now.
Especially when mainstream PC makers such as HP and Dell who will need sometime to spread the 64 bit dual core processor sale over time.

 

[n7]

I'm tired of reiterating myself in all these 64 vs. 32 bit questions.

It's extremely simple: 64-bit = future; 32-bit = dead/dying.

If you're a basic user, then you might be able to get away w/ 32-bit for a few more years, but if you're on AT, i'd guess you aren't a basic user...