At the moment, 32-bit and 64-bit are pretty much the same.  It's just that you need 64-bit if you want to use more than 3Gbs of RAM.  Currently you have 2Gbs, so go with 32-bit.

32-bit will do you well, because you're not going for large amounts of RAM, and most programs are written for 32-bit anyway.

As long as you have the option, you can change whenever you want.

Well, I'd stick with 32 bit.  I've been hitting several 3rd party companies wondering when they'll be releasing Vista versions of their software for devices I currently own.  And every single company has stated they're planning/developing 32 bit Vista versions of their software.  Not one has announced any plans for a 64 bit Vista version.

64 bit runs 32 bit apps, Saves you money in the long run and runs everything pretty well, and why not use it? Why keep on using 32 bit when you have a 64 bit software? Heck..... Why did MS Even Waste their time making a 32 bit version? To keep old technology from 5 years ago going? Seems like a propper waste to me. I run the 64 bit version and the only problem I really have is adobe flash won't work, one thing doesnt work and everything else does. If you have a 64 bit cpu, get the 64 bit version, it runs a lot better than my XP ever has on all three computers I had it on.

Gunny

Considering that the Vista DVD contains every edition of Vista made all you would need is the authorization code to unlock it. What your paying for is not the DVD itself but the authorization that allows you to run a specific version.
You could probably buy the cheapest version and purchase a upgrade of which ever key you need for what you want from MS.

Nick N wrote on Jul 24^th, 2007 at 5:28pm:


Only if the software developers see a market for 64 bit titles.  32 bit titles can run on both platforms, 64 bit titles will only run on 64 bit platforms.  Once they do that, they limit their customer base right off the bat.

and BTW

its not game developers who stifled x64

It was INTEL

because they were behind AMD in processor technology and the one thing they could use to FIGHT BACK, was stifle the use of x64 

now things are changing

like I said, expect to see an FS11 x64


Professional system such as Adobe already use the base and have been using it. There is no comparison and it is going to happen in the next year or so.

dcunning30 wrote on Jul 24^th, 2007 at 6:22pm:



Good then we agree, x64 is the future and will become streamlined in the next several years. but as I said, it is not for the person who does not wish to work with the OS for minor things such as drivers they may need to search down, or, a harware limitation because of that.

But, those limits are no where near as bad as they were a year or even 6 months ago. Just about eveything now will run in x64 and as far as I am concerned, just because the disk access is much, much better in x64, the advantages to the OS far outweigh any small disadvantage one may see.


dataflow is better in x64 regardless of the software being run which is why games tend to run a bit smoother.

However, the layman who thinks they can install x64 and just go, needs to stick with x32. You have to understand the OS to get the most out of it.

Well, we can put it this way.  If you're not-so PC oriented, and you don't like dealing with occasional problems (which you're definately gonna get with Vista anyway) then go 32-bit , then upgrade whe you need to.  However, if you are ready for any challenges that will come your way, and we can help you with them too, then go with 64-bit .

Personally, I'm gonna go with 64-bit (will be getting 4Gbs of RAM anyway).

64-bit version officially on its way, will arrive sometime in the next 10 days.  Cost a lot less then I thought it would, only a whopping $10.55 after taxes, free shipping.  Was expecting to pay more like $25+.  So a full retail version of Home Basic with both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs all for a whopping $125.55   Originally was going to order it off Newegg...$159.99 just for the 32-bit version

Processor is waiting on a credit card payment to show up.  Figured it would have been credited to my account by now but for some reason its taking its time.  Processor also keeps dropping in price so might wait till at least Saturday to order it.  If things fall into order then the 64-bit DVD and CPU should arrive approximately the same time.  Hope to fire this thing up in the next 2 weeks   Also have to make a run to the store and pick up a copy of FS9 before I can even fly on this new system.  But for $20 I think I can afford it  

Going to be pretty nice to get off this old thing.  Kind of scary to think how technology has changed in such a short time.  I remember being the envy of all my friends in school (I think it was 2nd or 3rd grade) when I had a brand new computer with a built in CD-ROM and a COLOR printer   That was state of the art back then with Windows 95, a blazing 166 MHz CPU, 4 GB Hard Drive, and a whole 16 mb RAM   Now over 10 years later I sit here on a AMD 350 MHz IBM and realize just how far things have come.  It has a whopping 100 MHz FSB...the new system will have 1333 MHz FSB.  64 MB RAM, new one at 2 Gigs. 

Also getting another toy to kick off the fun.  As of sometime next month my internet will be upgraded to 3.0 Mbps ...going to be a big step above the current 768 Kbps

Hopefully all goes well and will be back flying in a whole new world very soon

32-bit

you have no need for 64bit