Besides being able to take more RAM, and some security (I think) does 64 bit Vista (any) have any differences between the 32 bit of the same (is 32 bit home prem different from 64? . . .)

Well, obviously there are differences between 32bit and 64bit itself, but do you mean aesthetically and generally features in vista between the two versions?

Roz

__________________
"If it ain't broken, dont fix it" ;-)

If I've helped you, add to my reputation in the top right (the picture of scales).

Everything wouldn't be so bad. I guess. How would a 64 bit version of Home preminum be to 32 bit? . . .

This topic has been covered before in itsallPC, however, I'll summarise.

Obviously a 64-bit CPU is required to run 64-bit Windows.

• Pentium 4 600-series and later (includes Pentium 4 Extreme Edition 3.73 GHz)
• Athlon 64 family (including FX, X2)
• Core 2 Duo
• Celeron 3x1, 3x6, 347, 352 and greater
• Pentium D family (includes Pentium Extreme Edition)
• Pentium E2000-series
• Manila core Semprons. There's no model number pattern to identify them. Use cpu-z or simillar

Specific points of 64-bit Windows (mostly also true of Windows XP Professional x64)

• 64-bit Windows can address a lot more RAM. 32-bit supports a maximum of 4GB; 64-bit supports a maximum of 16GB. This is of course, useless to you at this point.
• 64-bit Windows can execute 64-bit operations in hardware. Software specifically written with 64-bit optimisations will be significantly faster than 32-bit versions.
• 32-bit software still runs on 64-bit Windows, although there are many reported compatibilities issues
• 16-bit software does not run on 64-bit Windows
• 32-bit drivers cannot be used on 64-bit Windows. Most major manufacturers now have stable 64-bit drivers. I believe there are still only flakey or non-existent 64-bit printer drivers though.
• 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista are identical in features and aesthetics (This is not true of Windows XP Professional x64)

If you plan to upgrade your OS again in a few years, go with 32-bit. If you can put up with a incompatibility issues for a year or two, go with 64-bit.

I'm using 32 bit home prem. But as my computer is Athlon 64 X2 (3800+) It can (I think) take 64 bit versions of Windows. I think I did read somewhere though they security is better on 64 bit versions (Vista) than 32 bit.