I did some snooping around and found a few links that should help you decide if you should consider 64 bit operating systems. Now these are not the end all authority on the subject, but they are good sources. Some are geeky so be ready.

XP Pro 64 bit review ('06 vintage)

Vista 64 bit review

Vista 32 bit vs 64 bit shootout

XP Pro 64 vs Vista 64

A long thread with some crap but alot of good info.

Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 feature comparison chart

64 bit checklist, be ready before you jump

Free 64 bit software

Free 64 bit software2

Other 64 bit software


From what I can gather, if the programs you run, (or want to run) are actually coded 64 bit, ( mostly utilities right now), and they, (& the OS) actually use more than 4GB of RAM, (or at least the ability to use), then 64 bit might be the way to go.

At some point all software will be coded 64 bit. When that is supposed to happen seems to be under debate, which is why the "Should I go 64 bit?" question is still popping up 4-5 yrs after the launch of 64 bit computing.


Bowtie and BucknAZ should have some input as well.