vista 32bit or 64?

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SuperAntMD

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Hi,

Im sure this has come up before but I cannot find it. I am getting a new computer and with it windows vista.

What I would like to know is should I get the 32 or 64 bit version? I know a 32 bit OS obviously cant use 64bit software but what about the reverse? Can a 64bit OS use 32 bit software? If the answer to the last question is yes then is there a good reason not to get the 64 bit version.

Thanks for any input you can offer
 
I had XP 64 bit and if Vistas 64bit is anything like xp don`t get it. Almost nothing works on it Some companies don`t even release drivers for 64bit.
 
the 64bit can run 32bit programs. but like webhostingtalk said, drivers are (and always will be) an issue.
 
I've been running Windows Vista for about 2 months now. Ultimate 64bit. No problemo:D I am Very happy with this OS and amazed that it works so smoothly. Had some probs here and there with drivers and software, but all has been sorted out now that Vista was finally released. Updated drivers are available and software programmers are updating as well.

Just my sound card that still runs on a XP64bit driver. No Vista drivers available...yet.
 
Yes but the problem is some software ex my gps software does not run on 64bit. And they are not planning on brinning out driver any time soon
 
But 32bit softwares do run on a 64bit OS. There shouldn't be any problems? Have you tried?
 
Sorry made a mistake it was the drivers for the cable. But yes there are some programs that don`t run on 64bit. Using Vista 32bit now so can`t say with ones it was.
 
Oh, ok. Have you tried using Windows XP 64bit drivers? I'm useing this for my soundcard (hope I haven't said this before :P)
 
Oh, yeah, sorry you said that...excuse my blindness :P

How do you find the Vista? Did you notice a diff in speed or something with the 32bit? Don't think you would.
 
Acually yes. Vista loads much faster and the programs as well.

Ok but my old xp installation was in desperate need of a format. :D
 
Kewl. I need to redo my Vista with all the latest drivers. Just want to wait and see if anything better come out (driver wise) then I'll reformat and load Vista again :D In 2 months I've installed so many apps and drivers to see what will work, I think I need a fresh start with everything working from the beginning.

Nothing wrong at the mo, though;)
 
Vampir0 said:
But 32bit softwares do run on a 64bit OS. There shouldn't be any problems? Have you tried?
Click to expand...

Correction: 32bit software should theoretically run on a 64-bit OS, but this is not always the case. Some of my programs that would not run on Windows XP x64 are Gadmei TV Tuner Software, any Novell product, F.E.A.R. and Microsoft's own WMP11 for x64 (way to go Miscrosoft), to name only a few.

Additionally, I could not find 64-bit drivers for my phone (i-mate JAM Windows Mobile Pocket PC), my HP LaserJet 1018 printer, my Gadmei TV Tuner Card and only found generic drivers for almost every other piece of hardware I own, none of which was released more than 6 months ago and all of which was purchased this week.

Sure, x64 makes much better use of my Core2 Duo CPU, but it's no use having all that power when you can't run any software with it.

I have since downgraded back to XP Pro 32-bit. :(
 
Ok, strangely F.E.A.R runs on my Vista 64bit. And so does WMP11 (it comes with that standard :P )

Windows XP 64bit never really lifted off. I don't think it's compatibility was very well laid out. I've used it before, but only to play FarCry 64bit with (looks a lot better than on the 32bit PC)

But yes, I agree with you. It should theoretically work without problems:rolleyes:
 
You could always buy a retail copy of vista. And either with ultimate have both options in the box or with home premium just order x64 disc. Then run x86 till x64 becomes more mainstream.

I will stick with x86 till games come out in x64 versions.
 
Here was something interesting that cropped up for me :D

Yesterday, I installed Windows Vista Ulitmate 64bit and found that my Windows ran a lot faster than XP did, which was to be expected.

But then I started benching some of my games and I know on Windows Vista 32bit I lost about 60 FPS, but now in Vista X64, I gained 10FPS in Counter Strike Source as well as Trackmania United.

So maybe Vista X64 is not to bad to look into even though not all programs support 64bit yet ;)
 
I installed x64 and went to x86 cause alot of companies are not even gonna release games for the x64 version and drivers was a bitch to source.
 
Most/all 32-bit software work on 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, because it runs it on the WoW system.
 
;) Yeah, the 64bit version emulates 32bit to get those programs to run on X64 as well. I agree that drivers are a bit dodgy but in a few months they should be sorted.
 
WKJ?:beanie said:
Most/all 32-bit software work on 64-bit versions of Windows Vista, because it runs it on the WoW system.
Click to expand...

Peppercorns said:
;) Yeah, the 64bit version emulates 32bit to get those programs to run on X64 as well. I agree that drivers are a bit dodgy but in a few months they should be sorted.
Click to expand...

Duhhh, of course it will work, but it wont take advantage of x64, so its no use cause its just a battle to find drivers.
 
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