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    Windows Vista 64 bit questions

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by DallasMavericksRule, Sep 25, 2007.

  1. DallasMavericksRule

    DallasMavericksRule Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm new to this forum, so I apologize in advance if this has been answered already, I tried searching this topic as well... I'm fairly knowledgeable about computers but don't know too much about this topic. Anyways, I was just curious, what are the advantages/disadvantages of installing Vista 64 bit, and really what difference will I notice? Is it faster, more secure, cooler looking? what exactly? Thanks!
     
    DallasMavericksRule, Sep 25, 2007
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  2. eXtraBulleT

    eXtraBulleT Notebook Consultant

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    Stick with 32bit, unless you have specific reasons why you need 64bit Vista. And 4gb RAM doesn't seem to be like your problem.

    So yeah go with 32-bit, 64 bit look exactly the same appareance wise, perfomance maybe slightly faster.
     
    eXtraBulleT, Sep 25, 2007
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  3. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    64-bit Vista advantages:
    - Supports as much RAM as your hardware can handle (versus about 3.4 gb or so that's typically usable on 32-bit Vista)
    - Better performance when running software compiled for 64-bit
    - Better security due to additional security features in 64-bit Vista
    - Better compatibility with future programs that may require 64-bit

    Disadvantages:
    - Less hardware support, as not all manufacturers have 64-bit drivers yet.
    - Not as good compatibility with older programs (16-bit code no longer supported). Also a lot of security software doesn't work on 64-bit Vista.

    In summary, 64-bit is better but has less hardware support at this time. If you have drivers for all your hardware, and are ok with the fact that not all hardware you can find has 64-bit drivers yet, then go for it.
     
    swarmer, Sep 25, 2007
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  4. hehe299792458

    hehe299792458 Notebook Deity

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    Vista64 is a bit faster and more secure because it only accepted signed drivers. Also, Vista64 has better kernel protection.
     
    hehe299792458, Sep 25, 2007
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  5. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    There are also other security improvements in 64-bit Vista, such as the Address Space Layout Randomizer: http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_ff_x64.asp

    Also, many (most?) 32-bit viruses aren't compatible with 64-bit Vista, and since 64-bit Vista isn't too popular yet, virus writers haven't really been writing 64-bit viruses much (if at all).

    I think the performance improvement though is mostly due to the ability of a 64-bit processor to process data in larger chunks, when running 64-bit software.
     
    swarmer, Sep 25, 2007
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  6. DallasMavericksRule

    DallasMavericksRule Notebook Enthusiast

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    Awesome! thanx guys
     
    DallasMavericksRule, Sep 26, 2007
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