We will just stick to the facts. Here they are. If you're going to be doing a lot of intensive database work using SQL or other types of professional database applications, or you're doing very resource-intensive 3D graphics work such as used in game programming, you might need the extra processing power, speed and the extra RAM (up to 8 GB) that 64-bit Windows Vista allows.

But, if you're an average home user, you need to know that there are not a lot of 64-bit software applications available. If you have a lot programs you use and like, it is highly likely that these 32-bit applications do not have 64-bit counterparts. While Windows Vista x64 does run 32-bit applications, it does not run 32-bit applications well.

The 4GB RAM limit of Windows Vista x32 should be plenty for most normal home users. We're using both of our Vista 32-bit computers with 2GB of RAM and do some resource intensive graphics work on the, and we haven't experienced any "RAM-outs" at all.

And then there's the problem of hardware; 32-bit drivers will not load on a 64-bit system. So, if your hardware manufacturer doesn't offer 64-bit drivers for your hardware, your hardware won't run.

If you're considering upgrading to Windows Vista, and you use your computer as most home users do, we think that the 32-bit version would be the better choice. You'll find much more software available in 32-bit versions, your hardware drivers will work, and you can have up to 4GB of RAM installed which should be more than enough.

To sum up: The majority of users will be very disappointed if they install Windows Vista x64. The lack of 64-bit drivers for most current hardware will continue to be a problem for the foreseeable future and will be a source of frustration for most people. Yes, it's true that 64-bit operating systems are the future, just like 32-bit systems were the future in the age when most of us used 16-bit systems. But, for those considering Vista x64, the future is not yet here. The performance gains promised by 64-bit will not really be seen until 64-bit versions of software and 64-bit drivers become the norm.

Note: This answer applies to upgrading a current system from Windows XP to Windows Vista x64. If you buy a computer with Vista x64 pre-installed the system will come with 64-bit drivers and 64-bit software installed. The problem comes later with factory-installed Vista x64- when you add hardware to the system or download software you would face the same issues as a person upgrading to Vista x64.