what windows to use?

I am rather stumped, PB got a new computer and my dad is sending me all 5 current windows versions (XP 32, 64, Vista 32, 64 and a pre releace of windows 7) and i have no idea which would be the best to run. Apart from the usual office stuff the computer is mainly going to be used to run the sims, spore and NWN2. Some old games as well maybe

People keep giving me conflicting reports on using a 64 bit operating system so im really stumped

 

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XP 32.
XP.
XP.
In case you need to do mods.
Depending on your processor and performance capabilities, you could go for 64, but it's better off to do 32.

 

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If you have a 64 bit processor then go for the one with the 64 capabilities I would think.

 

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At the current time, everything runs on XP 32. Some special applications are built for 64 bit to perform faster but you wouldn't be asking this if you used those applications.

IMO: Skip Vista. Only prepare (don't rush) for Windows 7. I'll switch from xp to Windows 7 after the first service pack is released (~2 years?)

 

What are the specs? IIRC Some CPU's can't run 64 bit so when you say "new" just how new are we talking? Also if they're poor specs 64bit isn't likely to gain you anything, in fact it may slow the computer down.
Vista isn't overly bad but it's mostly show, and it doesn't run older games very well.

 

what windows to use?

i dont know, it depends on your house.

 

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a semi troll.

 

*tumbleweed*

 

It would be foolish at this point to not be using a 64 bit operating system.

I would suggest Vista Ultimate 64, though I'm no fan of Vista.

 

Windows XP ftw !

 

Just use the old failsafe..... XP 32 or XP 64 (depending on which CPU you're running)
Nice - stable - runs everything (including more legacy code than vista). Doesn't hog as many resources.

I live in a pretty small house, so I use XPlite. Wakka wakka!

 

Need to know what the PC specs are. Vista 64 is actually better for most brand new computers than XP 32.

 

XP sucks.

 

nothing wrong with xp. i would skip vista or use whatever you can until windows7 comes instead of buying anything because it is better than xp or vista.

me too.

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...xplite ftw. but now i am using BeOs.

 

A 32 bit operating system will limit you to approximately 3.5 gigabytes of memory. XP 64 is a bit of an orphan from what I've heard; you may not be able to get drivers for everything you'd like to with that operating system.

Definitely not Vista 32 (this all assumes you have a 64 bit CPU); if you're going to run a version of Vista, it should be a 64 bit version.

I'm planning on installing a new hard drive this weekend, and trying out Windows 7 RC as my primary operating system. It will only be good through June 2010 though, and you'll have to install a retail version from scratch after that time. It doesn't sound to me as though you like to fool with your computer enough to want to deal with that. We are still months away from a retail version of Win7 being available.

The choice is yours, but other than the memory limitation, XP32 is still a rock solid operating system.

 

repo: it is actually 2gb for apps and 2 for kernal space.

 

Bad advice. Win 7 is not even out yet - will probably have to buy himself another copy to install(or get it from sugardaddy).

Win 7 had to run a lot of software in virtual mode - drivers don't always work, etc etc.

For gaming ( one of his requirements), particularly old games, Vista is better than Win 7. XP is better too, than Vista, depending on the systems specs.

 

Go with XP, unless you have some pressing need for 64-bit or are just dying to try Windows 7. Do not even consider using Vista.

Also, I'm assuming this is XP pro and not XP home? The latter sucks, although I'd still use it over Vista in a heartbeat.

 

i think it will be out in august. you are right though, in his case i would just install xp32 because it is free and will run the games. win7 may run the games as well but after the release it wont work.

 

sorry a couple of things i forgot to mention. a) i dont have to BUY any of the operating systems, my dad has site licences for all of them and hes sending them all to me (including the pre releace of windows 7) so i can just pick whichever i like without any cost

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b) new as of sat

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(ok i know thats not really much infomation), i dont have the specs here but it IS a 64bit proccessor (AMD for what its worth)

The thing which is concering me is that my brother was telling me vista 64 (and possably XP 64) dont have great 32bit emulators which means some of the older games and what not dont run properly or at all