Datasheet

Part I: Surviving Setup

64-Bit Versions of Windows Vista

The differences between 32-bit (x86) versions of Windows Vista and 64-bit (x64) versions

are more complex. But here’s the weird bit: Though virtually every single PC sold today

is x64-compatible, virtually every single copy of Windows Vista that goes out the door on

those new PCs is a 32-bit x86 version.

If you do manage to purchase a new PC with a 64-bit version of Windows Vista prein-

stalled—and yes, they are out there if you look hard enough—that PC will come from the

factory with all of the 64-bit hardware device drivers that are needed to support whatever

add-ons and peripherals ship with the machine.

Consumers who are building their own PCs or adding Windows Vista to an existing PC

have an additional issue to consider that is outside of the basic capabilities discussion

covered in this chapter: Should you purchase a 64-bit version of Windows Vista? After

all, 64-bit versions of Windows Vista can access far more RAM than 32-bit versions (up

to 128GB as of this writing, compared to less than 4GB of RAM in 32-bit versions). In

addition, 64-bit versions of Windows Vista are nominally more secure than 32-bit ver-

sions, as discussed in Chapter 8. Does that mean that 64-bit versions of Windows Vista

are “better”?

Not exactly. Though 64-bit versions of Windows Vista are widely compatible with the hard-

ware and 32-bit software that Windows users have been using for years, these products

simply aren’t as compatible as 32-bit versions of Windows Vista. For very many people,

compatibility is the most important consideration when it comes to upgrading their PC,

because they want everything they’ve been using to continue working. Moreover, few

people need 4GB of RAM today, let alone more than that.

Here’s my advice. Typical consumers should stay away from x64 versions of Windows for

the lifetime of Windows Vista. There will be niggling hardware and software compatibility

issues on Vista x64 because Microsoft requires hardware vendors to ship different drivers

for the 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64) versions of Vista. Guess which one is easier? Though

hardware and software compatibility has already improved dramatically since Vista first

shipped, typical users will be frustrated by the one or two incompatible applications or

devices that are likely to appear. It’s just not worth it. Not yet.

Put another way, if you have to ask—that is, if you’re unsure whether you should be using

Vista x64—then the answer is still the same: You shouldn’t be running Vista x64. That

said, Vista x64 is considerably more viable than it was when Vista first appeared; and it’s

moving quickly into the mainstream, though it’s not quite there yet. Maybe by the next

version of Windows.

For the coming year, gamers, digital-content creators, CAD-CAM workers, science and

engineering users, and other power users who run into the 4GB ceiling in 32-bit versions of

Windows are ideal candidates for Vista x64. These types of users understand the risks and

limitations of the x64 platform and don’t need my advice anyway. Enjoy the headroom.

Contrary to the conventional wisdom, 64-bit software isn’t magically faster than

32-bit software. That said, 64-bit PCs running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista

and native 64-bit software can often outperform 32-bit alternatives, but that’s

because you can add far more RAM to the 64-bit machine. Systems with mas-

sive amounts of memory just aren’t as constrained and can operate to their full

potential.

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