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[Nivlac]

64 or 32 bit for an operating system? If I go 64 is there backward compatability for all my apps? or does it even matter?

[keasy]

No, there is no backwards compatibility for all your apps. But many 32 apps will run on 64 not by design.


Does it matter ?

Who knows...I've ran Vista in both x86 and x64 to no noticeable effect for me.

[Wooster]

They'll install in the x86 folder and run in compatibility mode.

The only two apps that I've run into so far that won't work at all are Cisco VPN Client and a proprietary app my company uses that was written for Win 98.

16bit apps won't work on Vista x64 at all (if you can find any you still need).

[keasy]

Not all apps will install.

If they do wow64 will allows them to run and 64 bit by design apps will run natively.

But not all apps will install as many apps are 16 bit installers and even in XP were emulated as 32 bit installers.

Drivers need to be written (okay drivers are not apps but they are essential, especially for older hardware) specifically in 64 bit.
If you have a piece of hardware you love and want, then you do need to consider it's compatibility and research if an updated driver is vailable.
Sound cards in particular are problematic as MS dropped DirectX on sound cards in both 32 and 64 versions of Vista.

[Nivlac]

ok then it sounds like I should just stick to the 32bit version....was thinking 64bit for its better use of installed memory.

[Wooster]

Keasy is talking about driver support, you asked about application support on a new system with new hardware.
So your hardware will work fine (if you are unsure, check before you buy*) and in the vast majority of cases so will your apps.

Tbh installing Vista at all is a complete non starter unless you are going to take advantage of the 64bit version, since the 32bit version offers nothing of substance over XP.
Personally I'd say Vista x86 is a step backward from XP and you'd be better off waiting for Windows 7.

*edit* There's always ye old HCL too http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/

[eatit]

I recently installed 64 OS on my system (ran 32bit for ages before). Not seen any driver issues or app problems so far.

[corroded]

can of worms if you are trying to use 64 bit xp though... that does have some issues.

vista, meh...

if you have 4gb or more, install 64bit there rarely is any difference barring drivers and a few apps that install drivers (daemon tools etc)...and most 32bit stuff does work, even if you have to bodge the fucker by unzipping the msi (which most people don't realise you can do )

[keasy]

Even 32 bit apps will be given all the extra system memory on 64 if you have all that memory, so it does offer up advantages that way.