Please clarify what 64-bit Vista really means.

[BigGaroupa]

I know it will allow extended addressing for more memory especially for 3GB+ systems.

It obviously runs on a 64-bit achitecture, allowing for improved performance because of the wider addressing scheme.

My question is, how will regular Vista software behave on a 64-bit platform, or will I have to obtain 64-bit everything in order for games/software to work on Vista?

Or should I stick to 32-bit?

People are are running 64-bit Vista could you guys please tell me how are older programs/games for Windows XP working for you?

[chavalcito]

64-bit shouldn't prove to be any better than 32-bit except in 640-bit apps. 32-bit apps will still run in 32-bit. There is one advntage, as you said, that it can utilize 4GB+ of RAM. You can install 4BG RAM kits in 32-bit OSes, but it will only recognize 3.something GB.

[nn_step]

if you are going to update, you might as well move to 64bit

[BigGaroupa]

Actually performance wise I've read benchmarks comparing 32-bit and 64-bit and in every instance the 64-bit Vista bested the 32-bit counterpart.

However, I'm just worried about compatibility, my main concern is "will the 64-bit version of Vista be less compatible than the 32-bit version?"

[chavalcito]

Actually performance wise I've read benchmarks comparing 32-bit and 64-bit and in every instance the 64-bit Vista bested the 32-bit counterpart.

However, I'm just worried about compatibility, my main concern is "will the 64-bit version of Vista be less compatible than the 32-bit version?"

Right now, yes.

[nn_step]

Actually performance wise I've read benchmarks comparing 32-bit and 64-bit and in every instance the 64-bit Vista bested the 32-bit counterpart.

However, I'm just worried about compatibility, my main concern is "will the 64-bit version of Vista be less compatible than the 32-bit version?"

Compatiblity isn't perfect but the majority of the games and applications for Vista work with the 64bit edition.

[BigGaroupa]

Thanks that's what I needed to know, and since I can find 64-bit drivers for all my current hardware from the looks of it, I'm going to go with Ultimate 64-bit FTW! LOL

[gillll]

after all 64 bit is the next step.

ms exchange 2007 must have 64bit cpu.
and intel had added the emt64 instead of x86-64

64computing looks like nothing but it's much better much more and it a natural step that could have happen long ago.

i had my rig with ultimate 64 btw much more stable then 32 and i don't know why lol.

[uOpt]

The problem with running 32 bit apps on 64 bit OSes is that you have to obtain every DLL twice, once for 64 bit and once for 32 bits and/or you run the versions out of sync. This can create quite the mess.

[bigdaddy25fb]

I run ultimate 64 bit and have noticed no stability problems with new games, or old ones for that matter. Some homebrew OSS programs I've used have ran into problems, but they were fixed after a few emails and some time on my 'nix box. All in all I've not noticed the transition from 32bit which is a good thing I guess.

[Boogerlad]

does 64 bit vista still support 16 bit programs?

[nn_step]

does 64 bit vista still support 16 bit programs?

Doubtful but possible. But that seriously raises the question of why?

[Truckchase!]

Doubtful but possible. But that seriously raises the question of why?

No, and because there are alot of 16 bit games that are better than the fodder that's out there now.

[nn_step]

No, and because there are alot of 16 bit games that are better than the fodder that's out there now.

Just use VMware and play the games in a Virtual edition of their Preferred OS.
Guaranteed to always work and not have to deal with any legacy crap. ;)

[computerman0416]

It means when you get so frustrated with VISTA, you can breaks the disk up into 64 bits!! :rofl:

[ineedaname]

If you ask me if microsoft was smart they should've canned 32bit altogether and only made vista 64bit. That way people would finally make the move to 64bit and then software developers would follow suit.

Its kinda sad to think that 64 bit has been around so long yet its taking SOOOOO long for adoption.

[nn_step]

If you ask me if microsoft was smart they should've canned 32bit altogether and only made vista 64bit. That way people would finally make the move to 64bit and then software developers would follow suit.

Its kinda sad to think that 64 bit has been around so long yet its taking SOOOOO long for adoption.

Well the same crap happened with 16 -> 32bit
So no worries, things always move forward, even if it is very slowly

[gillll]

i think vista is the last client os for 32.
the next kernel the server2008 still comes in 32 and 64.

btw ubuntu 64 roxx like hell :D

had installed beryl manager

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/791/berylri3.png

and sun project glass guis and windows managers.

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/2088/lookingglassdw3.png

edit: now the pic are visible :D

vista looks lame near it.

and the whole thing comsume less the 512ram lol.

......................still u can't play @ all!

[TouGe]

Oh cool! Uhm, will you be able to play Crysis, COH2, COD4, World in Conflict, Alan Wake, or any of the other next gen games w/ ubuntu 64? Oh, I'm sorry:down:.

Sorry, I just had to do it.