About Windows Vista..Please help..?

Question

I've heard about Windows Vista 32bit and 64bit... and also x86 and x64.. I don't actually understand them.. If you have x86 computer what is compatible? 32bit or 64bit? OR my question is wrong? it should be a 64bit or 32bit compatible with x86 computer? Please help me.. which one's compatible to which version? Please explain thoroughly... Thanks

and what's the difference between x86 and x64...and also 32bit and 64bit.. thanks

Answer 1

x86 = 32bit operating system.
x64 = 64bit operating system

if you have an x64 AMD chip you can use either version. however intel chipsets may require yet another format of the operating system. i forget the technicalterm at this time. I only ever use AMD processors.
if your processor is only x86 then you can only use the 32bit version, an AMD 64 or sempron can support either operating system x64 or x86.

i hope that helps.
oh and unless i'm mistaken the offical release of VISTA is later this month to the general public, so if you have downloaded a copy already be careful as if it is a pirated version you are leaving yourself open to malware from day one.
however if you are a corporate user then you will have an official released copy already on official DVD direct from microsoft and your disc will have the official Microsft hologram in all likely hood (best guess).

good luck.

Answer 2

A 64-bit processor can run either x86 or x64 OSes, however you get more bang out of using x64 as that allows you to use the potential of your chip. x86 is for 32 bit processors; like intel dual core, intel pentium 4, etc.

Answer 3

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit/default.mspx

Answer 4

i'm not realy sure myself but here is the link to the vista info site it'll tell you every thing u need to know http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/