64-bit Vista

What versions of Vista are 64-bit and how are good are they functioning after the SP1?

I'm looking to upgrade my Windows XP to Vista 64-bit after a RAM upgrade to utilize the full amount. Any thoughts?

 

As a non-Vista user, I can't comment on Vista's SP1 but I've heard mixed reports; some good and some not-so-good. If I was running Vista, I think I'd wait a bit before I installed it.
64bit versions of Vista don't have any special names or anything... for example, there's Vista Ultimate x64 and Vista Business x64. I think those are the only two 64bit Vistas available. As to upgrading from XP: I don't think they make upgrade discs for Vista x64, just full versions, so you can't do a true upgrade. You'd have to probably reformat your hard drive and install Vista x64 clean, or set up a dual boot system (but I could be worng about the availability of Vista x64 upgrade discs).

Good luck!

:major
[dlb]

 

I've used an Vista upgrade a friend brought with his PC, for me to upgrade from XP, and it was a nightmare. Ended up having to reinstall XP back on his PC. Atleast until he gets a full upgrade version, he says

As a personal note, I have found in the few experiences I've had with Vista, that I don't care for the format of it. They made it harder to find certain diagnostic tools that I was used to using in previous Windows Version, even have omitted some of them.

I know some people, who just think it is the best thing since slice bread

 

Thanks for you very helpful info Halo! My hardware is fully compatible, but my main concern was an upgrade I did from 2 gigs of RAM to 4 gigs. Since a 32-bit version of windows only recognizes 3 gigs it annoys me enough to buy a 64-bit OS. Just figured I might as well get the Vista version since it is the way of the future. I'm just having trouble distinguishing between the 32-bit version and the 64-bit. I do most of my shopping online and it seems everyone has a generic picture for display instead of the box. I do see that they are advertising the 64-bit version, but I'd just get the warm and fuzzy to see it on the box.

The other concern is buying the upgrade or full version. I know it would be easier with the full version, but the upgrade is so much cheaper. I'm unsure if since I'm running a 32-bit version of XP if it can even be upgraded to the 64-bit version of Vista? :confused

 

Here is a website that you can buy Vista OS, either Retail or OEM, full install with COA. http://www.viosoftware.com/Windows+Vista/

As far as Vista being the way of the future. I'm not to sure if Microsoft will agree with that. I've read somewhere that they are making plans to release a New Windows product in 2010, based on the XP & 2000 format. Since they have had alot of issues with Vista. As to whether they go through with it I don't know

 

The situation is improving quite well but you need to know that Vista 64-bit users still encounter some difficulties in finding compatible software even though is has been said that Vista x64 is the future for quite some time now.

The shortage is for freeware as well as for on demand programs. Below a list of 3 major Vista x64 Forums. And a link here for a freeware list of what there is at the moment. It's almost complete: http://vistax64.com/software/115872-free-software-list-vista.html

http://www.vistax64.com/
http://thevistaforums.com/
http://www.start64.com/