Vista 64 bit

Al3X · **Posted:** May 10th, 2009, 1:26 am

So on the new computer I'm getting in the next few days, it comes with Vista home premium 64 bit. Moving to it from 32 bit xp.

Are there any major changes I should expect, or concerns regarding software/hardware?

Don't want to get it set up and find out something won't work properly.

Ya I don't know much about 64 bit operating systems so any info is good

Adbot · **Posted:** May 10th, 2009, 1:26 am

Pfkninenines · Global Moderator 12/4/08

At this point in the Windows x64 performance, you shouldn't notice too many problems. When XP x64 came out, it was pretty junky. Hard to get support for devices, and in general it wasn't something you should have gotten. With Vista being 3 years into it's lifecycle, you can get drivers for nearly (95% or more) of your devices without issue. You shouldn't notice many problems with programs, though that's not to say there aren't any problems at all. For example, the current stable release of Firefox doesn't support x64 naitivly, and x64 Windows based machines must run it as a x86 process. Try the nightly build (Minefield) if you want to have the best performance you can get.

Since you're getting a new computer, and it has a 64-bit OS, consider getting at least 4GB of RAM if not more. Might as well put the extra oomph in now that your OS supports it. Oh, and most importantly.. With a 64-bit system, you'll also be more secure from unsigned drivers and lower-level attacks on your OS

Al3X · **Posted:** May 10th, 2009, 5:12 pm

Thanks for the advice Pfk

The computer ships with 4gb of ram already so I'm good on that. Ive researched it a bit and I find out the OS Ill have can support up to 8GB of ram, so I'll add in 2 1GB sticks I have from my old computer, they were only two months old and are the same type (I checked) so it should work fine.

Heres the computer I'm getting. It's listed at about $500, but Ive only payed $400 with a $65 rebate after buying a $50 all in one HP printer. The deal I got isn't listed anymore as it ended at midnight Saturday, got it taken care of about 3 hours before. Having it shipped to store as I don't want to pay for the shipping. Won't be getting it til after my brother's birthday (May 18th).

I've also found out Microsoft has a compatibility search and my monitor and keyboard will work, didn't look up my mouse but Ill just use the included mouse if it doesn't work. Was planning on getting a new one anyway. I'm pretty sure most of the main programs I use will work fine on the 64 bit OS.

Edit: I noticed that the computer qualifies for free shipping but I don't want it to be sitting on my doorstep in the 90 degree Florida weather. Already had it shipped to store anyway

Pfkninenines · Global Moderator 12/4/08

Actually, Vista Home Premium can support up to 16GB. Not too shabby. Of course, this is all limited by the maximum amount of RAM your motherboard can handle, which is a different story all in itself.

Just looking at the specs, I hope you're not planning on doing much gaming.. If so, make sure to get a compatible graphics card to go along with it. Luckily they're quite easy to install

Al3X · **Posted:** May 11th, 2009, 4:17 pm

Oh, on Microsoft's site I read home premium 64 bit does 8Gb

And I was planning on upgrading the graphics card as it won't be too expensive to do that. Of course there is alot of stuff I want/need to buy but graphics card I can easily fit in.

Do you have any recommendations for one?

And the RAM is also limited by the processor too isn't it?

Edit: was looking at some Nvidia graphics cards, found a 9150 or something, I don't remember since I was just browsing/pricing, and it would only be about $60 with shipping. I can easily come up with that.

Tal Ormanda · **Posted:** May 14th, 2009, 9:49 am

Al3X wrote:

Oh, on Microsoft's site I read home premium 64 bit does 8Gb

And I was planning on upgrading the graphics card as it won't be too expensive to do that. Of course there is alot of stuff I want/need to buy but graphics card I can easily fit in.

Do you have any recommendations for one?

And the RAM is also limited by the processor too isn't it?

Edit: was looking at some Nvidia graphics cards, found a 9150 or something, I don't remember since I was just browsing/pricing, and it would only be about $60 with shipping. I can easily come up with that.

Pretty sure the new computer you're getting will be able to handle more RAM than you ever plan to use on it.

Adbot · **Posted:** May 14th, 2009, 9:49 am