32bit vs 64bit
 

is there any disadvantage to switching to a 64 bit OS. I'm getting a new computer and am thinking about going 64bit. Does it effect programs at all? will i have to track down new drivers for printers and such?

maybe be work to find drivers yes.

long as you dont use old ass equipment you wont run in to any problems

the advantage is the ability to have over 4gb of ram.

drivers and software compatibility issues...
if you don't have to go with 64 - don't...

what about old software? there are some programs i still use that are pretty old.

old software shouldnt be a problem, only way to find out is just install it..

I switched 2 years ago, and it hasn't stopped me from doing anything....and I do a lot of different stuff.

32 bit software works in 64bit os, but not the other way around. Plus you can use above 4GB for 64bit apps, and use the full 4GB for 32bit apps.

Make a dual boot, if you're not that comfortable with the idea.

If you?re looking to go with Vista 64bit use the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. It was a pleasant surprise to find that my old HP LaserJet and obsolete HP scanner worked fine with Vista native drivers. The scanner actually worked better with Vista.

I have 64 on my new computer and I haven't come into any problems so far.

What he said... :)

I h ave used vista 64 for one year now. Not a single problem. Runs fast with 8 gb ram.

I've been using Vista x64 for a almost 2 years with zero problems. All my hardware worked along with all of my software.

I guess my hardware was new and no old and weird peripheral to worry about but some of my software I've used for 10 years and there wasn't a hiccup :)

I have 32 and its working ok to me

same here

been using XP Pro X64 for over 2 years now... never had any problems...

+1...
biggest problem i had was finding a driver for an old scanner...
which took about 4 minutes to solve.

Even the cheep HP we bought for the office had a 64bit copy of vista on it.
Hard to buy a pc these days without it.

64bits = 4gb+
32bits = 3gb-

Vista 64 is running great here.

You may have issues with finding drivers, no doubt. Support is fairly limited now, but it is growing. 64-bit is still in its infancy, and within a couple years should become a major valid choice for everyone.
But make sure you are looking at having 4gigs of Ram or more installed, or don't bother. While its not ALL about RAM for 64-bit and it will run on 2gigs, it definitely will benefit greatly with 4gigs+ to operate well and take advantage of the processing power.

Secondly, since most programs are still 32-bit, they will run in an emulation 32-bit mode and will not take advantage of 64-bit. They will also not take advantage of the extra ram as 32-bit applications are restricted to 3.4gigs. As well, there is a chance some will run slower.
Any older 16-bit programs will no longer function. So even if you have an older 32-bit application, but the installer is 16-bit, it will not work. There are some work arounds, but its not easy and generally may not work

Thirdly, 64-bit right now is generally targetted for Video editing, CAD, Image editing/creation, high-end gaming, heavy multi-tasking etc. You will also need 64-bit versions of programs and applications to even take advantage of it as well.

That doesn't mean its not for you. It will still run faster than a 32-bit OS as it utilizes RAM better