Im about to get new pc, have choice of 32 or64bit O.S, which is best and would I notice any difference.?

Question

This P.C must last a long time, so is there much difference in the "updateableness" of a 32 or 64bit machine. It will be used mainly for surfing the net, and college work.

Answer 1

Well, I don't know what your definition of "a long time" is, but I'll try to address your concern as well as I can.

Either way, assuming it's not the cheapest thing you can find, a new computer will probably last at least a couple of years, and it might even still be operational a decade or more down the road.

If you're going to be doing a fair amount of gaming on the side, or if your college work includes film editing, GIS, engineering, or something like that, you'll definitely want to go with something at least halfway decent, upwards of $600, and a 64-bit processor likely wouldn't hurt matters, but isn't totally necessary.

If, however, by college work you mean typing papers, and that plus surfing are going to account for most of your computer use, not only would the jump between 32-bit and 64-bit be completely pointless (you won't notice any significant difference in performance), but you likely wouldn't notice much difference between a new computer and one that's two or more years old.

Hell, if you're willing to give linux a shot, I've seen machines over five years old with Xubuntu run as fast as a new Windows box when it comes to surfing and word processing.

Answer 2

Surfing the net? Then you want one of the 32 bit OSes that are immune to the "114,000 Microsoft Virus Definitions".

You should actually buy a Mac. That way, you will get a genuine 64 bit, Intel duo processor, production machine, perfect for College use, that is immune, and, buy the full (3 year) warranty!!! College is very rough on notebook computers!

or, get a refurbished Dell ( http://cheaptronicsdepot.com ) with warranty, for $249.00 and also run http://pclinuxos.com
LiveCDrom, with it's 5500 applications.

If you lose it, it is not gonna 'break da bank'!

I would grab an external hard drive, that is USB, in all the above cases, for backup! Always back up ALL files! Especially, in college!

Answer 3

For use today you should opt for a 32 bit PC as there is a lot of software available. However, if I were you I would wait for Vista 64 bit also having a lot of software available (not the case at the moment) and go for a 64 bit PC. Decisions, decisions.

Answer 4

Do not buy a PC it will be out of date in a year or so
Buy a mac or be a windows fool