Windows Vista 64-bit vs 32-bit

[dposse]

so, im getting a new family computer. here it is: http://ncane.com/dem

what do you think of the specifications?

i heard that Vista 64-bit is not as good as the 32-bit because of compatibility issues. is changing it to 32-bit better? how can i ask Best Buy/the manufactuer to change the OS? will that bring up the price?

what kind of programs wouldnt work that Vista 64-bit? Does anyone have a list that i can look at?

also, I'm looking for a new Antivirus program to replace the crappy Norton one i have now. im looking at AVG, NOD32, avast!, Zonealarm, ect for new a Antivirus program. NOD32 looks good, with its promise of a large accuracy rate with fast speeds at a cheaper price then Norton for a subscription. Has anyone used these programs? How are they? Are reviews usually good/mixed/whatever for them?

thanks. :D

[Nikose Tyris]

You've heard a lot of stuff that is old news. the 64-bit world is a brighter future. :P Certain older programs (Mostly games) are not compatible, but 64 bit vista contains compatibility mode which makes this a moot point.

It also contains AVG for certain as a FUNCTIONING program. :D 64 bit is better also in that it can use more then 4 gigs of RAM.

Hope that helps clear up most of the questions. :/

For Reference:

I have the step-up from that specific tower. I trust it. Pay the price for them to strip all that excess shit out of the box, like the factory HP bullshit. You'll thank me for this later.

[bobfish]

64 bit just means it can use all the capabilities of a 64 bit processor. It can still run all your 32 bit programs.

[dposse]

Thank you guys. You know, this is exactly why i love this forum. Smart people and really quick responses. :)

[Preturbed]

You've heard a lot of stuff that is old news. the 64-bit world is a brighter future. :P Certain older programs (Mostly games) are not compatible, but 64 bit vista contains compatibility mode which makes this a moot point.

It's still hard to find drivers for 32-bit Vista, much less 64-bit. They're just plain not there a lot of the time.

I say go with 32 for now. When you upgrade to Windows 7 (I hear it's better (http://xkcd.com/528/)), maybe then go to 64.

[Lost in Time]

With a new computer you don't need to worry about looking for drivers for old hardware since it's all new and designed for vista. You needent worry, and there's nothing wrong with Vista 64x.

Also, I personally like NOD32, but if what Nikose says is true, then you don't need to worry!

[Preturbed]

Just wait til you go out and buy a printer. Then tell me it's designed for vista.

[Lost in Time]

Well printers are just the bane of everyone. If they work perfectly, then you did something wrong.

[Marelo]

I have Vista Home Premium 64-bit.

I bought a printer off the shelf at Wal-Mart.

I took it home and put in the driver disc.

It worked perfectly.

70 dollar printer, does all its tasks admirably... If the OP or whoever wants a printer which is guaranteed to work with Vista 64, get a Lexmark X3550. I would not hesitate to say that almost all printers come packaged with Vista drivers nowadays.

[dposse]

I currently have a Lexmark X3430. Will that work with the system im going to get?

[Marelo]

I currently have a Lexmark X3430. Will that work with the system im going to get?

http://downloads.lexmark.com/perl/downloads/downloads.cgi

There you go. Vista 64 drivers for your exact printer.

[dposse]

thank you! :D

[Marelo]

thank you! :D

Not a problem at all. :D

[Hatake Kakashi]

NOD is an excellent Antiviral. I run it, and I rarely have need for anything else, unless I'm feeling paranoid. Lately, that's less and less.

Also, the chip in that system there overclocks like a beast. I run it, as do many of my friends. Mine's stable OC'd at 3.4, but my brother-in-law also runs the same chip. With his better cooling system, he's able to hold it at 4.0. It's an excellent buy, though we get ours through newegg.

Even running at stock speeds, however, it should be more than capable of handling most of the things I imagine you'll be throwing at it.