It is about time I give up on this 64 bit computer thread. Don’t you think? Yep, the thread is wearing a bit thin. I have been running my personal PC here at home with Vista Ultimate 64 bit consistently for over a month. Probably 90% of third party software on it is written for 32 bit OS. The software does not appear to the user (me) to run any different in either OS. Someone may be able to run high-fangled test software and prove a difference but that is not the point here. I also do not run or have tested high demand games. Gaming is a different world.
My conclusions:
Unless I need more than 3 Gigs of user RAM I am not missing anything running 32 bit OS. Unless I was a semi-geek or better (or is it worse?) I would not attempt to convert my existing machine to a 64 bit OS even if my existing CPU is 64 bit. It is not impossible but it is a lot of work for almost no gain. I did it only for the fun and entertainment of the struggle. (This is what I have just finished.) I admit there is an intangible feeling about using the full processor, but that is only the geek showing
If I was in the market for a new computer and had the cash, I’d definitely specify 64 bit (dual) processor and a 64 bit OS (Vista). I’d also specify 4 Gigs of RAM and a good video card. (If they don’t brag about the video, I’d move on.) Then I would be set for the moment at the current state of the art. I would not be locked out of the benefit of 64 bit software (Adobe Photoshop Lightroom) as it comes along and 32 bit software will still run just fine. If I had really old 16 bit software or loaders, I’m dead and don’t know it. I should not upgrade anything!
Gamers? They are in their own bleeding edge world.
Finis