When I changed from Win XP Pro 32-bit to Windows 7, I installed the 32-bit version to ensure compatibility with my zillions of older software and hardware.
It probably suits my present 2005 Tower Computer system better!
If you have a new computer, and new software and hardware, and lots of memory, the 64-bit version may be better for you in the future.
Paul....with lots of old stuff!...
...!
Most of my present software, hardware, and drivers, will only work on Win 7 32-bit version.
I am planning to install windows 7 with a clean install, on a fully formatted drive... So I will be starting off with all new drivers.. (I will have them pre-downloaded on a flash drive prior to reformat)
So all in all, that shouldn't be a problem...
I am more worried about actual software problems.. I don't want it to limit my games library, because I do play a lot of old games (like flight simulator 98 old)
examples are Close Combat, Hunter Hunted, a few games made by Janes Combat Simulations, Armored Fist 3, and well.. you get the point...
So I don't want to loose the ability to play games like those...
But I am also wondering about RAM compatibility issues. Because I heard somewhere that I couldn't use more then 4 gb of ram on a 32 bit OS... Which I am planning on upgrading to 8gb of ram in the future. So is that a factor?
last but not least... Performance.... Is a 64 bit OS any faster then a 32 bit system? Does it utilize multiple cores any better? Etc?
Thankyou very much I know I am very curious.. please bear with me... I just want to make sure I make the right decision because it is something I am probably going to have to live with for the next 5 years... So I want to make the right choice!
THANKYOU!!!