64bit OS and 4 gig ram question.

Hello,
I have seen some threads about the 4 gig ram and 32bit issue (being that it cannot normally be recognized) Anyways, my question is how supported by the overall software community is the 64bit version of XP or Vista ? If I used a 64bit OS would I sacrafice being able to use the mainstream software like video editing, media players, video games, etc etc?

Also are the benefits of using 64 bit and the full 4gigs of ram noticable ? I plan on doing a little gaming but nothing intense, mostly video editing and encoding, and doing multi tasking such as MS office utilities.

Thanks for your help.

 

In my experience, most major software works in 64bit. I'd consider getting Vista over XP just because it is newer tech. Also, what is actually tough to get working are your devices. 64-bit device drivers are hard to come by in some cases, and it really sucks when, say, you just CAN'T get your CD drive working.

All-in-all though, 64-bit isn't a bad idea. I don't think it'll become mainstream for awhile, although I expect that by 2009 it will have become at least equivalent in use to 32-bit.

Why not just give it a try and then go back if it doesn't work right?

 

I have started using 64-bit Vista....and no regrets at all (so far). Everything works flawlessly.

 

thanks. and yes, I know vista is the new thing now. I have vista premium on my notebook (g1s) but I am thinking about getting an ultra portable and I am finding more software to be more XP friedly at this moment. So after a year or two when vista becomes more friendly and widely used I can upgrade OS or even a new notebook.

The low support for drivers is a downer, but over all XP supported software will not worry about if the OS is 32 or 64 bit ?

 

I'm Vista 64bit, and I haven't had any major problems so far.

 

The benefits will be noticeable, but it's neligible. Definitely faster. Can try installing a trail version from an x64 Vista disc to give it a shot.