32 Bit or 64 Bit Vista?

[gonwk]

Hi folks,

I am getting a bargain Gateway M-6862 that comes loaded with 64-bit Vista! It comes with cd/dvd to downgrade to 32-bit.

Q1: The freeware programs for Video that we use WILL they run on Vista 64?

Q2: If not do DVD Software run on Vista 32?

Q3: What about Freeware Antivirus & Firewall and stuff do they run on Vista 64?

Q4: If not do Antivirus Freeware run on Vista 32?

Q5: How hard is it to just load up Windows XP? I have WIndows XP SP3 ... but Drivers!?!?

Thanks,

G!

[MilesAhead]

Here's the best resource I've found for what will and won't do Vista 64 bit

http://www.vistax64.com/

[copyless]

I think I probably use all the freeware programs that you are speaking of, except the antivirus and firewall ones. I have Vista Home Premium 64bit, and yes they all run fine.

When loaded the programs are put either in the Program File folder or the Program Files (x86) folder. Depending on which one it uses, anyway I have never had any problems out of mine.

[gonwk]

Hi Miles,

THANKS! You are the man!

G!

[subhrajit]

hi.. all
Looks like the newest HP Quad Core PCs are coming through with 8 GB Ram and Vista Home Premium 64 bit. If I read the customer review correctly, on
this model they dispensed with the TV tuner and video inputs. I noticed this
machine pop up on Best Buy and it seems like a couple days later they already lopped over $100 off the price:

Phenom Quad w/8 GB Ram

The only review I saw on this CPU claimed it's slower than Intel Q6600 but
I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on it as configured?

[gonwk]

Hi folks,

Actually my new Gateway M-6862 came with Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit on it but also have a DVD that I can use to downgrade to 32-bit.

But lot of folks run into problem when they go to 32-bit ... since Gateways have the screwiest (is this an English word ) Drivres. I myself too lazy to downgrade to 32-bit and deal with all the headaches.

If I had a choice I would rather have the Vista 32-bit for now unitl 64-bit becomes Norm on Everything. Most of the Freeware run on 32-bit just fine and Choke on 64-bit.

So ... that is my 2 cents!

G!