Windows Vista Update

I switched, and I'm never going back...

by Scott
(OK)

I decided to give the 64-bit version of Vista a try when I install Vista on my machines over a year ago. I had 3 machines that were my main use machines, so all 3 got the 64-bit treatment. I was completely amazed at how well it installed, and how stable it is in day to day use.

The driver issue didn't really affect me at first, but one of my machines has an nVidia based video solution, and that so far has been the worst of the 3. To me, it seems that nVidia's drivers are just not very good in 64-bit yet. But the other two are rock solid. I also had a few issues at first with printer drivers, but those were quickly fixed and now I can't seem to buy a piece of hardware that doesn't have 64-bit drivers ready to go. I've also installed 32-bit drivers with older hardware and were able to get those to work (not easy, so I don't recommend...)

So, overall I'd say to go 64-bit in your next opportunity. While really not needed, it does provide a much better computing experience. The OS is more fluid and more responsive to all I do. I'm a power-user type, so I run a machine into the ground very quickly some times with all the tasks I might ask it to do. The 64-bit Vista doesn't seem to care quite as much, and is always responsive when I need it to be.