[drmoneejd]

I have an AMD Atholon X2 64 processor, on a 64-bit motherboard. I know if i install a 32-bit OS the manual says it needs to be SP2, which is no big deal, but right now Im looking at buying a new XP OS. I have been told that 64-bit is more trouble than its worth, but i was just wondering from other views, which is better?

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Hello drmoneejd...

I run 64 bit systems, both Vista and Windows 7, and have had none of the issues I've seen others complain about. Driver support is better now than in the past and it allows for running applications in x86 compatibility. In addition, 64 bit systems support more RAM which helps the system to run faster while remaining more stable. And 64 bit systems are nice for gaming and other graphically intense applications.

wannabe1

[wannabe1]

Hello drmoneejd...

I run 64 bit systems, both Vista and Windows 7, and have had none of the issues I've seen others complain about. Driver support is better now than in the past and it allows for running applications in x86 compatibility. In addition, 64 bit systems support more RAM which helps the system to run faster while remaining more stable. And 64 bit systems are nice for gaming and other graphically intense applications.

wannabe1

[drmoneejd]

thanks for your input , and thats great to hear, as i myself kinda think it would be safer to go with 64-bit. however, i plan to get XP, unless I figure out that seven is coming out soon. and i was going to try the beta, but sadly never got around to it. So basically I must ask this: do you know how well it works with XP, or do you know when seven is even predicted to come out?

[wannabe1]

The folks I know who are running 64 bit XP initially had a few problems getting drivers for some older hardware, but, as I stated, support has improved dramatically the last couple years. I wouldn't anticipate you having problems unless your hardware is quite old.

Windows 7 is currently scheduled for release early in 2010, but it wouldn't at all surprise me if they released it a tad early. It's incredibly stable even as a beta and driver problems are a non issue. It runs hardware that Vista won't and I have yet to find an application I couldn't install...though some have to be run in compatibility mode for Vista or XP.

[drmoneejd]

ok. I dont know if you've heard all the horrible things, but I've only heard bad about vista. i need a new OS though. so i was wondering just which is better, XP or Vista? and how are the backwards compatibility features on it?

[wannabe1]

Vista has proven very problematic for some people, whether being caused by hardware or the user not understanding the nuances of the platform, there have been problems reported by many. Personally, I've used Vista since it was in beta and have not experienced these problems. Early on there were driver problems, but the same was true of XP when it was first released. It takes hardware venders a while to get a handle on drivers. It would appear that Windows 7 is an exception to this, however.

Each operating system will have pros and cons, but it's the negative things one hears about simply because nobody complains about the good things. So...short answer...If you have the hardware to run Vista, it will not give you problems. Do not count on running Vista using the minimum suggested requirements without issues...you need a strong platform for Vista for it to run as well as it's capable of running. If you are not sure of your platform's readiness for Vista, stick with XP and wait for Windows 7.

[drmoneejd]

ok, thanks. I think I'm gonna go with a 64-bit XP home. Thanks for your opinion.