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noderaser
 
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2009-01-08 07:16:00

I just built a new computer (Athlon64 X2 6000+, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB HD, Radeon X1600 512 MB PCIe x16) and am somewhat annoyed that Windows XP 32-bit can't handle all 4 GB of RAM... So I was thinking of picking up a copy of Vista; I've heard that it has improved a bit since it was first released but was wondering which edition would be best for my use. Aside from BOINC (duh!) I will be using this computer mostly for gaming; there may be a few other Windows-only tasks that I use it for, but most of my work and daily-use gets done on my G4 Mac Mini. I assume I don't want the vanilla Home Basic, but am wondering what the $30-40 difference between Home Premium and Business would ge me, in terms of features that I would actually make use of.

If I do end up getting Vista, I would be interested in putting it on my 15" MacBook Pro 2.4 also... Like the desktop, I use Windows XP Pro SP3 through Boot Camp when I'm on the go and want to play games. The difference here, is that I use VMWare Fusion from within OS X 10.5.6 to run Windows (from the Boot Camp partition) for work programs and other stuff. I'm sure that the MBP can handle Vista just fine on its own, but how is its performance in VMWare Fusion? I currently have the default 512MB allocated to the XP Virtual Machine, which seems to be just enough for the few Windows programs I need for work purposes. I assume I'd need to increase the memory dedication for Vista, which would decrease the memory available to other OS X programs and BOINC... Would the best solution be to upgrade the Boot Camp partition to Vista, and then create a new virtual machine for XP and work programs?

I've delayed getting into Vista, because of all the bad press it got, and lately most of my work is done on Mac. Hopefully, the horror stories are either unsubstantiated or have been fixed by SP1 and other patches. At work, the official standpoint is that we don't want anything to do with Vista, and will wait for Windows 7 if an upgrade is needed, although we still use Windows 2000 on some systems and used Windows 95/98 for a long time.
Sid2
 
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2009-01-08 11:14:19



noderaser:


Vista isn't worth the effort, keep some drama out of your life and stay with XP, preferably 64-bit.

I've been mostly happy with Vista Home Premium, SP1. . . but my boys are gamers and XP is their OS of choice [by far].

. . . just too many issues with games on Vista.


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2009-01-08 17:31:34

I just built a new computer (Athlon64 X2 6000+, 4 GB RAM, 250 GB HD, Radeon X1600 512 MB PCIe x16) and am somewhat annoyed that Windows XP 32-bit can't handle all 4 GB of RAM... So I was thinking of picking up a copy of Vista;


your problem is not XP, but 32-bit. every VISTA version which is 32-bit will have the same problem.
noderaser
 
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2009-01-09 01:53:24

your problem is not XP, but 32-bit. every VISTA version which is 32-bit will have the same problem.


Yes, I'm well aware of that... But since I don't have a copy of any 64-bit Windows, I was thinking that I might give Vista a try--I wouldn't get 32-bit Vista because all my 32-bit PCs are either running Linux or are too slow for Vista. I have heard that there were problems with driver support for XP64; has that improved?
noderaser
 
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2009-01-13 07:19:25

Has anyone actually used XP64? From this forum and others, I've only gotten opinions against using Vista, but have heard nothing about XP64. I need to do something, since I don't particularly want to waste that extra 1GB of RAM.
asb2106
 
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2009-01-13 15:29:22

XP64 is pretty good. The only problem I had with it is alot of apps do not support 64bit XP, but I found that Vista 64 programs would work fine in it.

Some visual enhancements were not present, not really a deal breaker for me, I have no need for that.

If your going out and purchasing a copy of windows, go with the Vista 64. I would also recommend the memory, its so cheap now its worth it.

I would not buy a copy of XP, as of July Microsoft is done with it.... Means we should be too.

Also! Newegg has multiple choices of memory for dirt cheap. I got 8 gigs of ram (DDR2-1000 - G-skill) for $100 shipped!.

**To me Vista is XP, just looks prettier and uses more ram.

OR if you can wait alittle while, skip right over and get Windows 7.

And to wrap it up, I hate it when people avoid my question and tell me to do something entirely different, so to answer your question...

XP 64 driver support is limited, but most mobo manufacturers will have 64bit drivers, and most if not all of your apps will run, atleast in 32bit mode.

Depending on the use of the box, 64bit will work without issues.

Maybe check with the manufacturer of your board to verify they have 64 bit drivers before making the jump.
noderaser
 
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2009-01-14 01:17:14

It appears that TigerDirect has sold out of XP64 over the course of this discussion, as it is no longer listed for sale on their website.

So, back to the original question: Which edition of Vista would be better for my needs? Are there any core OS differences like XP Home/Pro, or is it just the bells and whistles that are different? And, if anyone knows of a reputable dealer other than TigerDirect, I would be open to suggestions. I bought XP32 from them a while ago, so I am reasonably sure that they're selling legit copies.
asb2106
 
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2009-01-14 04:56:00
last modified: 2009-01-14 04:59:10

It appears that TigerDirect has sold out of XP64 over the course of this discussion, as it is no longer listed for sale on their website.

So, back to the original question: Which edition of Vista would be better for my needs? Are there any core OS differences like XP Home/Pro, or is it just the bells and whistles that are different? And, if anyone knows of a reputable dealer other than TigerDirect, I would be open to suggestions. I bought XP32 from them a while ago, so I am reasonably sure that they're selling legit copies.

Tiger Direct is definitely legit.

However I buy all my stuff from Newegg, very reliable and great service.

Home premium would suffice, I use ultimate myself, but ultimate is nothing but bells and whisltes.

I use Home Premium at work and it has more than what I need, I cant get technical with what it does and doesnt have, but I will say the only difference that I notice is lack of additional games, dream scene (movie desktop backgrounds), and ahh thats about all I can think of right now...

Go Home Premium 64 bit! @ Newegg!!
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