32 bit or 64 bit Vista?

If I select the Q6600 CPU with the Inspiron 530, and also get Windows
Vista Home Premium, will Dell ship me the 32-bit or 64-bit version of
Vista?

Since the Q6600 is a 64-bit CPU, does that mean it will run the 64-bit
version of Vista better than it will run the 32-bit version of Vista?

Just wondering which version of Vista my parents should get. They
have some 32-bit apps that they will probably want to run on the new
computer they are getting, and I know I will also need to pull out the
wireless adapter from their old computer and install it in the new
computer. That wireless adapter is fairly old, and is using 32-bit
software/drivers.

Also, my parents have used their current Windows 98 PC for 8 years, so
they will probably use the new computer for 8 years before replacing
it. If they get the 32-bit version of Vista, will 32-bit software
continue to be available in 8 years? Or will everything be 64-bit
only in the next few years?

Hi!

> If I select the Q6600 CPU with the Inspiron 530,
> and also get Windows Vista Home Premium, will
> Dell ship me the 32-bit or 64-bit version of
> Vista?

Unless you specifically request a 64-bit copy of Vista, you won't get
one. For retail packaged copies of Vista, I believe that Microsoft has
a program where you can request 64-bit installation media if you want
it. I don't believe this extends to the OEM copies.

> Since the Q6600 is a 64-bit CPU, does that mean
> it will run the 64-bit version of Vista better
> than it will run the 32-bit version of Vista?

I doubt you will see any performance benefit from running 64-bit, and
if you elect to do that, you will need to make sure that drivers are
available for your hardware. Even today some devices do not have
drivers for use with 64-bit Windows.

The key advantage of 64-bit Windows is the ability to have more than
4GB RAM installed in your computer. This is possible on 32-bit
processors and systems, but the methods for doing so are roundabout
hacks with limitations.

> That wireless adapter is fairly old, and is
> using 32-bit software/drivers.

If you have any hardware that has only 32-bit drivers available, you
have only two choices--replace the hardware (if no suitable driver
exists at all--one could possibly be included in Windows) or stay with
a 32-bit OS.

> If they get the 32-bit version of Vista, will
> 32-bit software continue to be available in 8
> years?

I would say "absolutely". Only certain types of software gain anything
from running in 64-bit mode. If nothing else, Vista itself should
remain supported
(in terms of security updates) for at least eight years. Only now is
64-bit Windows starting to take hold, and the vast majority of
computers are still running 32-bit Windows.

William

> -----Original Message-----
> From: void.no.spam.com@gmail.com [mailto:void.no.spam.com@gmail.com]
> Posted At: Monday, April 28, 2008 9:42 AM
> Posted To: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell
> Conversation: 32 bit or 64 bit Vista?
> Subject: 32 bit or 64 bit Vista?
>
> If I select the Q6600 CPU with the Inspiron 530, and also get Windows
> Vista Home Premium, will Dell ship me the 32-bit or 64-bit version of
> Vista?
>
> Since the Q6600 is a 64-bit CPU, does that mean it will run the 64-bit
> version of Vista better than it will run the 32-bit version of Vista?
>
> Just wondering which version of Vista my parents should get. They
> have some 32-bit apps that they will probably want to run on the new
> computer they are getting, and I know I will also need to pull out the
> wireless adapter from their old computer and install it in the new
> computer. That wireless adapter is fairly old, and is using 32-bit
> software/drivers.
>
> Also, my parents have used their current Windows 98 PC for 8 years, so
> they will probably use the new computer for 8 years before replacing
> it. If they get the 32-bit version of Vista, will 32-bit software
> continue to be available in 8 years? Or will everything be 64-bit
> only in the next few years?

They will receive 32bit Vista. You're asking an unanswerable question
(Vista 32 in 8 years). Personally, I wouldn't put my parents on 64 bit.
Still to iffy for drivers, etc.