Vista 64-bit or 32-bit? which to buy

32-bit unless you really need more then 3 gigabytes of RAM.

It is very hard to find drivers for the 64-bit version.

It is very hard to find drivers for the 64-bit version. haols

What hardware are you running that it's so hard to find drivers for? That seems like such a HUGE misconception - maybe if you are running older hardware.

I build this rig back in April, installed Vista 64-bit on it an haven't for a second thought I've needed 32-bit. Have no isssues with drivers and it runs sweeeeeeet, handles all games/apps my Vista 32-bit laptop can handle, only better.

OP, my suggestion is that if you are running somewhat older hardware, go 32-bit. If you are running alot of peripheral hardware, go 32-bit. If you are buying retail Vista, and don't see an immediate need for 64-bit, go 32-bit (I believe for a small cost, like $10, you can request the 64-bit version which you can then install later anyway).

If you have newer hardware, this is only chance for 64-bit (buying OEM OS for example), would like to run more than 3GB of RAM, or would like to be ready to run the 64-bit version of Crysis (or some other game), would like better security, knock yourself out with 64-bit. Alot of people are running it without any issues :D

yea and you've also got to get 64 bit apps too which not all software publisher cater for, i suggest getting 32 bit then switching to 64bit on the next OS which will only be 64 bit so all apps/ drivers will have 64 bit versions.yoyo462001

32-bit and 64-bit apps run on a 64-bit OS where only 32-bit apps run on a 32-bit OS.

I'm sure you aren't saying you need 64-bit apps to run on Vista 64-bit, but it sorta sounded liked it, just clarifying :)

64-bit can do basically everything 32-bit can and then some. get 64-bitCanine_Knight

[QUOTE="Canine_Knight"]64-bit can do basically everything 32-bit can and then some. get 64-bityoyo462001

I think he's talking from experience, and I would agree, I haven't ecountered anything that runs on my 32-bit laptop that I can't run on 64-bit desktop.

Yeah, 64-bit runs 32-bit apps via a WOW (emulation) layer, which is virtually unnoticeable, e.g.

Problems would most likely be with drivers (notice my mention of peripheral hardware in my original post), but for many people, that is definitely not an issue, drivers needed are readily available! Software problems may arise due to tighter security, installing unsigned drivers with software for example, but those problems are so rare. Software compatibility issues with Vista itself are much more likely, rather than anything 32 versus 64-bit for 32-bit apps.

Not sure I understand your point about Windows Media Player though, if there is a native 64-bit version included with the OS, that's wrong with that. 32-bit and 64-bit versions of IE are also included. I have had zero issues running 32-bit apps/games on 64-bit.

If 64-bit "scares" you for any reason, by all means stick to 32-bit, there's nothing wrong with that for a quite a while yet. 64-bit desktop (not server) is still pretty much at the enthusiast/gamer/high productivity/etc level at this point.

ps. yeah, retail Ultimate comes with both editions...

32

ive heard really bad things about 64 bit

get a 32 bit home premium