64 bit vs 32 bit Vista or Windows 7

I've been looking around the web for reasons why to chose one over the other. The main reason I would like to chose 64 bit is because it can support more ram. But I will only be using 4gb so would 32 bit support that? On the other hand, I also read that 64 bit doesn't support a lot of drivers or software. Is that true?

 

There are quite a few threads on this forum about 32 vs 64 bits. Have you found any of them yet?

 

i've been using 64 bit for a year now.... as long as you have recent hardware, you should be able to find drivers for them..

as for driver signing, you can turn it off (x64 requires signed drivers for programs like RMClock.... you can turn the signed drivers check off)

i would just go for 64 bit

windows 7 rocks, but do you want to reinstall in 6 months? (i probably will, so doesn't matter to me)

 

32-bit will not be able to use all 4 GB of RAM. 64-bit has lots of support now - you should be able to find all the drivers you need for your hardware. Driver for peripherals should also not be an issue unless it is pretty old.

FYI, all copies of Windows 7 (the upgrade and eventually the retail copies) come with both 32-bit and 64-bit disks, so you don't have to decide before ordering what you want.

 

Okay thanks. If I order a laptop from xoticpc I think I'll get 64 bit vista home premium with the free upgrade to 7. As long as I can back up my data before installing 7, I'm fine with it.

Also, if I do upgrade and later down the road if I decide to reformat the laptop, will it stay with windows 7 or will it go back to vista on a factory default format?

 

Do you mean "recovery"? If so, it will go back to where the system was being delivered with. If you do a reformatting formatting - install whatever you like.

cheers ...

 

According to Microsoft the 32bit OS does use up to 4gb but will only show 3.6gb due to hardware/driver configuration. There's a rumor going around that Win7 RC can be upgraded and don't have to be reinstalled when it comes out... it's still in the works. Vista works fine for me for now. I'll wait awhile before plunking money for Win7.. see if it's stable enough. I don't want a repeat of the Vista debacle when it first came out.

 

If this is true then this will be the best thing Microsoft has ever done in the history of Operating Systems.

Allowing an OS in Beta to be upgraded to the Final Release. I know i'll be happy...wouldn't have to reinstall all my programs, nor lose any data.

 

I thought MS has said time and time again when using the RC to be prepared to back up all your data because you'll need to clean install anyways when W7 final is released?

And even if they allowed you to just do an "upgrade", you will need to still somehow prove that you own a legitimate copy of Vista or XP when installing it.