Vista 64 Bit Compatibility Now

Hello all,

I am wondering about getting a Dell XPS 625 or 630 (730 would be nice but way too expensive for my budget) for gaming mostly, but also everything else the average person would do:
-Email
-Word Processing, Excel, Powerpoint
-Etc.

I want to get Vista 64 bit but I am concerned about its compatibility. Has it outgrown all the compatibility issues that first plagued it, such as with many programs and games (examples: counterstrike: source/steam, WoW, etc.)?

Thanks

 

Mostly its a driver issue. Nearly all manufacturers have refined their 64bit drivers, they are pretty solid now. There's no reason not to go to Vista 64bit now.

Vista 64bit can run 32bit programs. In fact, probably the majority of programs are still 32bit, you'll see a lot of them in the "Program Files (x86)" folder where the normal 64-bit "Program Files" usually has some Microsoft programs and little else.

 

Ok, and another thing..probably of most concern to me now..

What's this about Windows 7? It looks awesome and it's supposed to be released by this Winter Holiday season..

Now: Should I wait for Windows 7 or go with Vista 64 bit....

 

Agreed, little real point in going 64bit at the moment, but there are beginning to be some programs that are using it. More and more are going to jump on that wagon so it can't hurt. I've not had any driver issues with any of machines running x64.

I'd suggest if you have the option and you don't have any obscure hardware you use on a regular basis that you can't find a 64bit driver for, then go 64bit. It'll save you having to switch over later on.

 

Waiting for Windows 7 could mean waiting a while. The release candidate has only just been released; will be some time before they are ready to actually hit the shelves with the retail version. Microsoft are trying to do this launch correctly, unlike when Vista was first released.

 

What does that mean? Correctly?

 

You could wait, but Windows 7 may not release on time anyway. You see Microsoft are trying to launch Windows 7 properly. What this means is that there will be lots of testing, lots of ensuring drivers are available etc etc.

They've learnt (it seems) from their mistake with Vista, which was to get it onto the shelves too quickly.

The answer to your question is I'm afraid in the form of another question.

When do you need your machine?

If you need it soon, then don't wait. If you don't need it now, then wait. Not only will you have the benefit of possibly a better OS, but the price of the machine will likely be lower also.

My recommendation. Vista x64 is just fine. I'd go with that.

 

I can wait, however, I ran into something very interesting. Searching the web about Windows 7 Costs, I found that for users who buy computers between July 1 2009 and January 31, 2010, they will receive a free upgrade from Vista to Windows 7. If u have Vista HP, then you get 7 HP. Vista ultimate --> 7 Ultimate, etc.

Now I'm just trying to find when Dell's date starts within that range because OEM's can choose their own range within that general July - January range. Makes me happy though.

 

For new internal hardware drivers are no problem unless you are looking at proprietary stuff like Sony's shared libraries for the Fn keys amongst other things.
All other hardware will have 64Bit drivers - if it supports it (some processors, cheap ones, don't) - from the manuacturer.

Periphals are a different story however - so that mobile you have or PDA may not have 64Bit drivers - you'll have to invetigate on a case by case basis, in some cases 32Bit drivers will work, in others they won't.

Software - most 32Bit software runs on 64Bit - again, you'll need to investigate on a case by case basis.

Check my sig - at the end of my guide I have some links -they may help you