Most 32-bit software will run under x64 just fine. The ones that don't are
those that supply and use device drivers as part of their routine. This is
because device drivers in an x64 installation *must* be signed and not all
vendors want to expend the time and money for this process. You need to
check with the vendors of the software you plan to use for any possible
conflicts.
--
Best of Luck,
Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help -
www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts
http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com
"Mark G." <> wrote in message
news:eewY%...
> So I am going to buy a new laptop and for the most part, especially the
> ones I am interested in, my only option is MS Vista Home Premium 64bit.
> Now my laptop purchase isn't meant to replace my desktop machines at all,
> but I am purchasing it because I am going back to school and because from
> time to time, it would be nice to do some things like messing with my
> music library and pictures from the comfort of my couch. Anyhow, on the
> the 'concerns'. With the 64bit being pretty much my option for my new
> laptop, I have some concerns on software that I will want to use and
> install. Some I know won't have an issue like Adobe CS4 and whatnot, but
> other items, I am wondering how they will fare? Being that I have never
> used Vista for anything production wise, I have not familiarized myself
> with what it can and cannot do. Being that most programs out there are
> 32bit, what is one to do with this 64bit operating system for as I
> understand, it doesn't have backward compatability from 64 to 32. I
> believe this was for software and hardware. Am I wrong? Am I stressing
> over this when in fact I should have no issues whatsoever? My initial
> thoughts were to just downgrade the laptop to XP Pro, but with laptops
> these days, it ain't as simple as it sounds since you have to find "ALL"
> the drivers and what not if you want any of the original functionality of
> the laptop. I know my way around computers pretty good and plan on picking
> up this laptop tomorrow I hope. Going for the HP dv7-1245dx from Best Buy.
> Anyhow, sorry for the long read and if some of you could please take the
> time to ease my fears of issues with someware, especially older stuff and
> it's functionality, I would much appreciate it.
>