10-28-2009, 04:56 AM
Although Windows has come a long way, I don't think that the average user is ready to make the 64bit plunge yet. If you're using Linux or OS X then go ahead and use 64 bit because the applications, drivers, and OS are ready for it. You won't even notice the difference. Windows XP dipped it's toes in the 64bit water, Vista stuck its foot in, and Win7 may have jumped in, but the rest of the software and device drivers haven't quite caught up yet. In 1-2 years 64bit will be standard. It is a chicken vs. egg problem though - if no one uses it why support it? If you want to be a pioneer with arrows in your back then by all means go for it.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354768,00.asp
There are some potential downsides to using 64-bit Windows. You need 64-bit device drivers, which may not be available for all your hardware. There's also the requirement than all device drivers must be digitally signed, which could also be a problem. And although most 32-bit apps will probably work on 64-bit Windows, not all will. This may require you to find 64-bit versions of those programs or use other software altogether. You might also try Windows on Windows 64 (WoW64) is an emulator designed to let you natively run 32-bit software within a 64-bit Windows 7 installation.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2354768,00.asp
There are some potential downsides to using 64-bit Windows. You need 64-bit device drivers, which may not be available for all your hardware. There's also the requirement than all device drivers must be digitally signed, which could also be a problem. And although most 32-bit apps will probably work on 64-bit Windows, not all will. This may require you to find 64-bit versions of those programs or use other software altogether. You might also try Windows on Windows 64 (WoW64) is an emulator designed to let you natively run 32-bit software within a 64-bit Windows 7 installation.