Windows Vista: I am confused is there 2 Vista a 32 bit and 64 bit system
I am confused is there 2 Vista a 32 bit and 64 bit system
by thejet - 2/19/07 1:10 PMI am thinking about buying a new computer and I see them advertise as 32 bit and 64 bit Vista's Is there a deference. I thought all were 64 bit and backwords compatable to 32 bit. I understand the diferance between the different editions such as home and preium. Can anyone clarify this for me. Thanks
I understand all the confusion...
by FLLaw33870 - 2/19/07 2:30 PM In reply to: I am confused is there 2 Vista a 32 bit and 64 bit system by thejetI ordered from Amazon the Windows Vista Ultimate edition and when I got the package from Amazon, inside there were TWO DVD disks one being 32 bit and the other 64bit.
Now I don't know nor can I verify that ALL Microsoft packaging contains both DVD disks...but mine did.
I have a 64 bit system, but installed the 32 bit DVD due to my "BELIEF" that there was MORE driver support for the 32 bit...but I'm still waiting on good Nvidia drivers which won't crash like the current latest beta drivers from Nvidia.
I hope that answered your question.
I do have on order a Business Vista OEM version edition waiting to be shipped out and delivered. I had a choice between 32 bit or 64 bit. I ordered the 64 bit, but I HOPE that they send me both DVD's. I don't expect it, but will just await and see.
The two DVD's (both 32 bit and 64 bit versions) from Amazon was a pleasant surprise.
That's an Ultimate thing...
by John.Wilkinson
- 2/19/07 3:35 PM
In reply to: I understand all the confusion... by FLLaw33870
The two DVD package, one with Vista x86 and one with Vista x64, is unique to the Ultimate edition. However, if you purchase the 32-bit version you can call Microsoft and request an x64 CD for just the cost of shipping and handling. (I don't know if they offer the same deal the other way around, though.)
For thejet:
* Processor: A 64-bit processor can run both 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Vista, while a 32-bit (x86) processor can only run the 32-bit version.
* Software: A 64-bit version of Vista can run most, but not all 32-bit software (with the primary exclusion of most antivirus software and drivers), while a 32-bit version of Vista cannot run 64-bit software.
At this time, support for 32-bit versions is much greater than that of its 64-bit counterpart, so unless you have a specific need for 64-bit computing it's best to stick with XP x86 or Vista x86. However, 64-bit computing is the 'wave of the future,' so if you are looking to buy a new computer that will last, it is wise to choose one that is 64-bit.
Hope this helps,
John
32 & 64 Bit vista
by mr. stephan - 2/24/07 12:03 PM In reply to: I understand all the confusion... by FLLaw33870Vista Ultimate Upgrade and Full version Boxed Versions come with 32 and a 64 bit DVD version, If you have a 64 bit CPU (system) you can install the 64 bit version, if not you must use the 32 bit version.
If you can use the 64 bit version, It is compatible with 32 or 64 bit programs.
Also if you Have 64 bit programs you need to use the 64 bit version, there are very few games and programs made in 64 bit.
If you don't have 64 bit PC and try to install the 64 bit version it will tell you that it wont work, and don't worry it wont cause a problem if you do try! Then just use the 32Bit version! Hope this helps and good luck
Jake
32 and 64 bit
by mr. stephan - 2/24/07 12:07 PM In reply to: 32 & 64 Bit vista by mr. stephanAlmost forgot, you can use the 32 bit verson of windows on a 64 bit PC, the CPU's are backwards compatible if it has a 64bit CPU, but you can not use a 64 bit version of windows on a 32 bit CPU (system).
Vista users get the 64-bit blues
by FLLaw33870 - 2/19/07 7:35 PM In reply to: I am confused is there 2 Vista a 32 bit and 64 bit system by thejetInteresting link about the complaints of not getting the 64bit version as ZDNet Australia. People upset. Found at:
http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/software/soa/Vista_users_get_the_64_bit_blues/0,130061733,339273707,00.htm
Most people want to stick w/ 32-bit
by xstevejx - 2/20/07 9:49 PM In reply to: I am confused is there 2 Vista a 32 bit and 64 bit system by thejetSupposedly, any of the retail full or upgrade copies of Vista have both 32-bit and 64-bit versions included (except maybe Home Basic, which may be 32-bit only). People obtaining OEM copies of Vista have to choose EITHER 32-bit or 64-bit, and I think all pre-installed OEM copies from major manufacturers (HP, Dell, etc.) are 32-bit.
Since the 64-bit version still has less driver availability/compatibility and a lot more software incompatibility w/ older Windows software, only those who really NEED the 64-bit version (mainly to access more memory) should really even be trying to use it, and these would mainly be real 'power users' who know what they're doing with it.
It depends on the motherboard system
by Themisive - 2/23/07 3:36 PM In reply to: Most people want to stick w/ 32-bit by xstevejxThat you are using. Obviously if you have only a 32-bit board, then you want a 32-bit Vista system, and conversly the 64-bit for a 64-bit Vista system. Take note though that a 32-bit system will work quite well on a 64-bit board.
However, I - and many others - have noted that Vista is only an upgraded Windows XP system, so there is no way on this earth I am going to buy that O/S until at least the first few upgrades have been brought out, preferably even the first Service Pack!
32 and 64 bit Vista
by mr. stephan - 2/24/07 12:12 PM In reply to: Most people want to stick w/ 32-bit by xstevejxYOU ONLY Get both 32 and 64 bit versions of Vista WITH the Ultimate upgrade and full BOXED Version's of VISTA ULTIMATE!
For now the 64 bit would be nothing but a headache
by Ozzie - 2/23/07 6:29 PM In reply to: I am confused is there 2 Vista a 32 bit and 64 bit system by thejetI just installed Vista Ultimate on my home built computer running a top of the line 64 bit processor (Intel Core 2 Duo X6800). The reason I did not go with the 64-bit version is that driver support is absolutly terrible and to top it off a lot of common programs are not compatible with 64 bit operating systems. About 6 months ago (when I upgraded from an AMD board and the FX-57 processor) I decided to try a change and installed Windows XP Pro 64-bit. Bottom line is that I could not get all sorts of hardware to run (including new HP Printers, high end digital cameras (Sony and Nikon) etc.,) due to the lack of driver support. Additionally half of my programs which I tried to re-install would not install and would give messages saying the version of Windows was not compatible. I ended up having to remove the program and going back to the 32 bit version. I do not think a whole lot of compatible and fully tested drivers have been introduced in the last six months and I would wait at least a year before going to a 65 bit operating system. I could be wrong but my feeling is that my experience with XP Pro 64 bit would be similar to one using Vista 64 bit as I have not read anything concerning Vista having an edge over XP in terms of 64 bit software compatibility and driver availablity. Sorry I go so long winded. By the way for anyone interested, I did an upgrade to XP Pro with the Windows Vista Ultimate full version and have had no problems which I could not easily find the answer to. Every program I have is still running except for certain Ascentive software (which the company says it is not going to update for Vista at this time) and all my games are working perfectly after installing the latest Nvidia driver for the GX2 card. Bottom line the upgrade could not have gone more smoothly. I hope this has helped someone.
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