Why are people still buying Vista 32 bits?

I am confused.
I would have expected everybody who bought a new computer to buy it with Vista 64. Why is that that some people are still buying the 32 bit?
I think I am missing somthing

 

Cause they have a 32 bit processor?

 

Virtually all CPUs sold presently are 64bit, so no, that isn't the answer. They sell Vista 32 instead of Vista 64 because of driver incompatibilities. Also, most people don't run 64ibt programs, so there's not point in having that features. 32bit OS are only going to end when people find themselves needing more than 4GB of RAM - something which we are getting very close to

 

If you buy 32-bit, you can just get the 64-bit disc for $10 or whatever. The license keys are identical.

People don't need 64-bit support quite yet, so no one is really rushing to get it.

 

What's the point of having a 64-bit OS for 99% of computer users out there? If all you want to do is surf the net, type documents, and play music, you have absolutely no need - or use - for a 64-bit operating system, much less computer.

 

I see that.
But given that you can surf the net, type documents, and play music with the 64-bit as well, I don't think that is the answer

 

Simple answer is like someone has stated driver issues. There are enough compatibility issues with vista (which are slowly being solved) but 64bit processing is not mainstream so companies do not create 64 bit drivers thus no compatibility.

 

My guess is that most people who are upgrading or buying Vista outright are computer savvy, and as such they know the software/driver problems inherent with Vista 64-bit, and just don't want to deal with it. On top of that, they know the benefits are small, if any right now, and would rather just upgrade later or wait for the next OS.

I'm not up to date with what Dell and those mfg's are shipping, but if they're shipping 32-bit it is because they don't want to deal with tech support of computer "noobs" who's software suddenly stops working because they shipped them an OS they didn't need in the first place. Not to mention many old peripherals and what have you don't work under 64-bit Vista, and just don't want to deal with that.

I'm not sure if those are the reasons, but that seems like the most logical answer to me. Those that are using/tinkering with it, such as me are willing to deal with the growing pains, and just to try something new. I've had 64-Bit since almost day one (i think i spent a week on 32-bit or so from release date) and i can't find one compelling reason to be on 64-Bit other than just for something new/different.

 

There are enough compatibility issues even with Vista 32bit. Why add more to it by going for 64bit? Besides, currently only a handful of applications can take advantage of it, therefore no real performance advantages either.

 

Well, we've already agreed that it offers no advantages to 99% of computer users. When you take into account the plethora of disadvantages 64-bit has for users right now - mainly the minefield of hardware and software compatibility issues - it's simply an issue of KISS. People need 64-bit like they need Vista right now - ie, they don't. Maybe someday. But while 32-bit XP works as well as ever, and does everything most people need it to do, most people aren't going to try out 64, or Vista, and rightfully so.

 

Ok, thanks. There seems to a consensus that it is because of compatibility issues.

 

Yes Vista x64 is a great OS. The only major problem is that software and hardware makers got caught with their pants down by not writing programs and drivers for it. Microsoft provided the OS now it's up to the others to make it happen. Maybe in some way the companies are revolting against Microsoft's monopoly on how the software should be written!

 

Change the question...

Drop the 32 bits off the end.

Why are people still buying Vista?

 

They don't like having to deal with only WHQL-signed drivers allowed to be used in Vista x86-64. Unsigned drivers won't work when full multimedia support is enabled. It's a general pain in the rear doing drivers in general for Vista because they not only have to deal with getting the hardware to work with the new API in general, they also have to provide all kinds of consumer-unfriendly DRM checks to get it working. It's just not worth it for a lot of companies to rewrite drivers for old hardware, and it's still exceptionally difficult to write them in the first place for new hardware.

I'm a fan of Linux... drivers just make the hardware work, and that's it.