[derryn]

Ok, so this will likely make me sound dumb, but i don't know a lot about Operating Systems.

I'm currently on XP Pro, and i use my computer for sound and video editing (In industry standard Pro-Tools and Avid) as well as some animation in Flash and a little Maya. I have considered upgrading to Vista, but don't know the difference between 32 bit versions and 64 bit versions.

One of my friends recommended switching to Linux all together. What are the advantages of Vista (32 and 64 bit) and the differences, and is Linux a viable option? Also, most people I talk to say to wait until there is a service pack for Vista available because it is still a little unstable and unsecure.

I wasn't immediately planning to upgrade my computer, but may do so within the next 6-12 months.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Derryn.

[techy689]

Hey... Vista is GREAT for media.. and is quite secure/stable.

64 bit is better than 32 bit, but has many negative effects:
What's the problem with installing Vista x64 on a 64-bit system?

1. Most hardware does not currently have 64-bit drivers.

Out of all the boxes that I have installed x64 Vista on, I could always get it to boot up. However, the lack of 64-bit drivers for many hardware devices typically left me without any chance of burning DVDs or listening to audio. Networking devices and card readers were frequently not supported as well. Vista x64 is pretty but it's not very fun without network access or audio.

2. In Vista x64, any driver that is not properly signed will not be able to enter the kernel and will fail to load.

Think how many times you have ignored that warning that a certain hardware driver is not properly signed. With vista x64, if your driver has not be blessed by Microsoft, it will not work. Forget about it.

I have tired to get around this by booting with the F8 option Disable Driver Signature. It doesn't make a difference.

3. Vista x64 currently does not backward support most x86 (32-bit) drivers.

For the most part 64-bit systems run 32-bit applications very well. However, vista x64 doesn't run x86 drivers... at least at this stage.

4. Vista x64 does not support 16-bit software.

You may think that you never, ever run 16-bit software. However, XP actually handles this legacy fairly well.

5. Very little x64 software currently exists.

x64 software runs better on a x64 system with an x64 OS. Currently, however, there is very little x64 software out there. If you have that magical combination, you do get a nice performance boost. Currently, however, this combination is way to far ahead of the curve.


Conclusion:

Most users with 64-bit hardware should install the 32-bit (x86) version of Vista.

Vista x64 is the turning point for operating systems as they transition to 64-bit. Currently, however, the majority of users will be very disappointed by installing Vista x64. The lack of 64-bit drivers for most current hardware will be very disappointing and frustrating to most users. Why push for 64-bit now anyway? The performance gains promised by 64-bit will not be seen for years until 64-bit compiled versions of software is the norm.


Personally I would say get the 32 bit Vista... it is amazing.

If you have no more questions, you can mark this thread solved.