"tcukran" <tcukran.331fa3@no-mx.forums.net> wrote in message
news:tcukran.331fa3@no-mx.forums.net...
>
> Hi ,
>
> About 7 months ago I bought a Toshiba notebook (A100-599) and there is
> 32bit vista home premium comes with it. But after a while I got bored
> and installed xp maybe it's because everyone was saying things like
> vista is not ready yet...
> The thing I wonder is should I stick with the 32bit home premium or go
> buy a 64 bit ? I actually don't know if my laptop can run 64bit but it
> says that core2duo processors can do it.
> If someone can help me out of this I'll be really glad .
>
> PS : I'm a normal home user, I don't really use programs that can push
> the processor too hard but still I use photoshop and play games
> sometimes. Is there an important performance difference between 32bit
> and 64bit ?
>
>


To use 4 GB or more of RAM you need 64 bit Vista. RAM is relatively cheap
and getting cheaper. You can't upgrade from 32 bit to 64 bit. You have to do
a clean install. This means if you max out your RAM you won't be able to use
all of it or you will have to install Vista x64. You would have to backup
your data. Do a clean install of Vista x64. Reinstall all your programs.
Then restore your data.

I find Vista x64 better at multitasking. I can run more programs at the same
time with less problems than the same hardware with Vista x86. I don't
notice any speed difference when running one or two programs. When do
something like watch a video while checking my email and running a couple of
virtual pc's at the same time Vista x64 is much faster.

As other's have mentioned you may run into some compatibility problems with
Vista x64. This isn't as bad as some people make out though. Do a bit of
research. If your hardware and programs are compatible (most are) I'd
recommend Vista x64 over Vista x86.

--
Kerry Brown
Microsoft MVP - Shell/User
http://www.vistahelp.ca/phpBB2/