Is there any point in me using Vista 64?

Greenlizard0

Greenlizard0

Greenlizard0

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...rather than Vista 32. I have just installed all my software onto Vista 64, which all appeared to have gone into (by default?), C:\Program Files (X86)\.. ; this is irrespective of whether I downloaded a 64 bit version program or not.

Is most software out there still running in 32 bit mode only and the developers have only made it workable in Vista 64? Because I can't see any other way this would happen especially after I went hunting for 64 bit program versions of setup files especially.
 
There is a difference between a programe being 64-bit compatible and being native 64-bit. Most software is indeed 32-bit, but works fine on Vista 64. That is not to say there is no point in using a 64-bit operating system. The number of 64-bit software titles is increasing but, more importantly, Vista 64 also offers increased performance and security over the normal version, if you are running native 64-bit software or not.

Just a note about the program files folders though... There is no difference between the two folders other than organisation. Even some native 64-bit programs install in the x86 program files folder.

Out of interest, what software have you tried?
 
now that i've moved to 64 bit windows myself i would say that if you are sure that the programs you plan to use will work in the 64 bit OS then there is no reason whatsoever to not go for it

you can even get 64 bit virus protection now with nod32 - which i've now got - used nod32 with standard xp and was soo happy to find their had a 64 bit version

i cant wait for programs like photoshop to finally go 64 bit!


so its better to be ready for the future than wait around - as mentioned above you get the added benefit of security

also the 3.2GB ram limits are no more with 64 bit OS's
 
Most software is still 32-bit yes but still 32-bit software typically runs faster. And of course the OS itself is 64-bit, including the kernel and device drivers, which is where the largest gains come from for a typical desktop PC.

Vista x64 is more secure, more stable and faster than any x32 variant of Windows. It is a proper workstation OS.
 
if you install a true 64bit program (like the 64bit version of 7zip) it'll install to x:\program files\7zip

ms shouldn't have released 32bit vista imo (or 2008), would be far easier to just support 64bit, no 32bit only cpu runs well with vista anyway, you need at least dual-core to reap the benefits
 
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