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I'm writing this thread in hopes to reduce the amount of posts made asking:
Which version of Vista is better/right for me?
Should I get 32 bit or 64 bit?
So I will start with a chart comparing the features in all of the Vista version.
![]()
Source
Now for the million dollar question, which is better and what are the differences between 32 bit of 64 bit? Many peoples first response is "64 bit can use 4GB of ram and 32 bit cannot." While this is true, it is certainly not the only difference between the two. Here is a nice chart that explains some of the not so well known differences between the two.
![]()
Source
After looking at that chart you may wonder, how much of that really matters to me? Well for me the most important points of that chart are the maximum RAM that is usable, driver signing, and driver support. We have already covered the first one in that list, and the chart makes it pretty self explanatory. The second two are still very critical when choosing which version suites you better and may not be so clear.
Driver signing means that MS requires that all device drivers must be digitally signed by the developer, this means you are less likely to download and install harmful drivers.
Driver support is also a big issues because 32 bit drivers are not compatible with a 64 bit OS, and vice-versa. When 64 bit OS first came out this was an issue because hardware companies were not producing 64 bit drivers at the same rate they were working on 32 bit drivers, currently this is not as much of an issue.
For Retail vs. OEM, see the link below.
http://www.overclock.net/windows/156...ification.html
If anyone wants anything added/corrected/changed just let me know. I'll update this as I can.
MODS: Official and/or sticky if you'd like. Thanks
Which version of Vista is better/right for me?
Should I get 32 bit or 64 bit?
So I will start with a chart comparing the features in all of the Vista version.
Source
Now for the million dollar question, which is better and what are the differences between 32 bit of 64 bit? Many peoples first response is "64 bit can use 4GB of ram and 32 bit cannot." While this is true, it is certainly not the only difference between the two. Here is a nice chart that explains some of the not so well known differences between the two.
Source
After looking at that chart you may wonder, how much of that really matters to me? Well for me the most important points of that chart are the maximum RAM that is usable, driver signing, and driver support. We have already covered the first one in that list, and the chart makes it pretty self explanatory. The second two are still very critical when choosing which version suites you better and may not be so clear.
Driver signing means that MS requires that all device drivers must be digitally signed by the developer, this means you are less likely to download and install harmful drivers.
Driver support is also a big issues because 32 bit drivers are not compatible with a 64 bit OS, and vice-versa. When 64 bit OS first came out this was an issue because hardware companies were not producing 64 bit drivers at the same rate they were working on 32 bit drivers, currently this is not as much of an issue.
For Retail vs. OEM, see the link below.
http://www.overclock.net/windows/156...ification.html
If anyone wants anything added/corrected/changed just let me know. I'll update this as I can.
MODS: Official and/or sticky if you'd like. Thanks
