64 bit or 32 bit?

[agnes]

i got a 64 bit on its way, and was wondering wether i should get a 64 bit OS... but, i have been reading and hearing that 64 bit still has MANY problems with drivers... have most 3rd party programmes cought up with 64 bit? or is it just viseable to get 32 bit and wait for a while?

thanks, ags

 

[agnes]

Third party software isn't really a problem. x64 variants of Windows (including Vista) have an emulation layer that allows all 32-bit software to run and to be honest I've never seen any user-mode software throw a tantrum because of it.

Device drivers is another issue though. However Vista is launched in a matter of weeks and with it comes new restrictions on WHQL signed drivers. The new rules require that every WHQL driver will have both 32-bit and 64-bit binaries in a combined package. Both drivers must pass the stress tests before the WHQL signing is given to the driver. This is a big incentive for those pesky hardware vendors to get their finger out.

I'd get Vista 64-bit. You'll regret it in 6 months if you don't. Sure you will probably have a couple headaches with drivers until late February but they'll just be annoyances rather than show stoppers on the whole.

wow... that was exactly the response i was looking for! thank you so very much, very helpful. well in that case, im gonna pre order vista x64 on the 21st

thank you again.. very much so
ags