Inactivity.

Well... Technically, Windows Vista 32-Bit runs using 1 Gb (2 Gb if you fill it up with stuff till the neck)... Windows Vista 64-Bit runs using 2 Gb (3Gb if you do the same stuff)...
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However, if you're gonna buy a 64-bit OS, buy Windows 7 Home Premium, that way... Somehow, it costs less than a Windows Vista CD if you find it somewhere

true, but what's the real difference between 32bit and 64bit?

RAM per computer as has been discussed, and bigger programs can have more RAM, ie. internet browser, iTunes etc.

ok, so pretty much RAM then. I was under the impression that graphically things were better too, but that could just be because i'm used to graphics software which also gages things in bits as well

There are other small things too, but I'm pretty sure they all relate to memory.

now is it that difficult for a 32bit PC to switch to a 64bit? Like will all the hardware be compatible, graphics card, sound card etc? I'm assuming it will be otherwise they wouldn't have specified that the PC was expandable up to 8GB

Well, that's the hard bit. Your processor must be 64-bit compatible before you can use a 64-bit OS.

yeah, I was just looking at the specs. I'm gonna search and see if my PC is

here's my processor stats:

AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 5600+ for TRUE multi-tasking
• 2.8GHz, 1MB + 1MB L2 Cache, 2000Hz System Bus

Yeah, so you could put a 64-bit OS on.

Like a linux 64-bit OS.

well, it's the family PC and my brother plays games on it, so it's probably gonna stick with Windows. Unfortunately, I'm not going to cough up 300 bucks for Windows 7 so this probably ain't gonna happen

though I do think Dad's been wanting to install Windows 7 on it

Well tell him if he must do so that 64-bit would be a good idea.

oh yeah, I'd most likely be the one to purchase it. Well, it's time to back-up the files on that PC anyways, but I'm not willing to spend 300 dolla for windows

I just checked on our desktop computer. 224 MB of RAM

heh, wow, I didn't think you could run anything with that little amount of RAM!

Depends... Windows XP runs (badly) with 225 mb's of RAM... And Windows 2000 (or was ME?) could run with 125 Mb's of RAM...

Also, I don't think 7 HP don't cost 300 bucks... Here at portugal we can buy a copy with 120 €...

Still, it costs money. And ours is XP.

JPB18 wrote:Depends... Windows XP runs (badly) with 225 mb's of RAM... And Windows 2000 (or was ME?) could run with 125 Mb's of RAM...

Also, I don't think 7 HP don't cost 300 bucks... Here at portugal we can buy a copy with 120 €...

well, looking at the store with the cheapest amount, it's about 275 dollars before tax, add on our taxes (we tax the tax here too BTW) should be around 300 (possibly a bit more) dollars for home premium

One thing, DW... Check this link, and tell me if it applyeble to you:

http://www.microsoft.com/student/en/us/software/windows.aspx

well, I think I would have to be a student for this to be applicable

Right... I forgot that point... And an upgrade version of it? (Not a full version, just an upgrade version)

well, if there's Vista to 7 upgrades, then in theory that would work right?

yes, but remind you, it also cost $$$$

ya, but it would be cheaper

90€ here...

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

check this on your Vista PC, btw...

ok, thanks

geez i hope he's not a chick... that would be ewww for me