Hi Folks,
It sounds obvious that a 64 bit OS should be a benefit and should be faster than a 32 bit OS (I think, providing you have a 64 bit processor) but is it as simple as that?
Are there any other benefits?
And what about the downside? Am I likely to find that most of my legacy programs don't work and need costly upgrades?
Many Thanks.
P.S. I currently have a Dell Dimension 9200 with 4GB Ram 500GB RAID 0 disc array and a 64 bit processor, running XP Pro (32 bit). So will upgrading to XP 64 or Vista 64 improve anything?

If everything is 64-bit, you would see a significant performance increase in most areas. CPUs and motherboards have supported 64-bit for years. Software (including hardware drivers) is where the problem is. Since 32-bit software will run on 64-bit systems, there is little incentive for software makers to develop 2 versions.

As for you particular legacy programs and hardware, you need to check the makers site for 64-bit versions for your OS.

And, as one of the kind members of the forum once pointed out to me, the 64bit version of Windows XP is very much a server OS. I've not done reading on this but perhaps one of the forum members would be able to fill you in more on this.

Just my quick addition:

XP 64 = no. obsolete. as Kaistar notes.

Vista 64 = depends. as Digerati notes.

Windows 7 64 = yes.

Yes on a new computer but again on an older model = depends.

Also if you are going to put a new OS on an OEM computer such as Dell you need to verify driver support.

Windows 7 appears much more flexible than Vista as to drivers but again you are limited to what Dell has to offer.

XP 64 as mentioned is a server OS and not good on a PC as I learned from experience.

Yes I had XP 64 bit on my computer for a while recently. I ran into all kinds of driver conflicts. One of which was my wireless adapter. I don't recommend it. I tried Vista 64-bit shortly after Vista came out and I saw that I would have driver conflicts issues so I installed the 32-bit. I'm sure some of the issues with that have been worked out but I don't know that for sure however the XP issues haven't. For you an upgrade to a 64 bit version would be that all of your ram is recognized.

Hi Folks,
Thanks very much for all the info so far.
I knew it wouldn't be simple!
I think I'll stick to XP 32 bit on my desktop but I'm just about to buy a Studio 17 laptop for my wife and Dell is offering 64 bit Vista on that, so I guess if I buy it as a 64 bit machine then it should come with all the right 64 bit drivers?
Regards