im in a prediciment, i was wondering about the three Windows XP operation systems. i will be getting an athlon 64 processor and was thinking why not pay the extra to get x64, but then i read that it was ment more for buisnesses, what do u guys think about all of that, thanks if u reply- Hippie
Don't get X64, it will give a bit of a boost but it's nothing major. I'd recommend it for that but it's still very buggy and driver support is still not the greatest though it's getting better, there are plenty of products that will give you fits if you get X64. Stick with home as it's very cheap but gives you as many features as most users need. Pro is usually for schools and businesses that require more administrative rights and advanced networking features, this probably doesn't apply to you.
thanks, now i can upgrade something else lol i though that x64 would dramatically boost my sysptem but knowing that ill stick with home and work from there, thanks
Eventually, yes, we will be in complete 64-bit computing. However, this transition isn't going to happen overnight. That's why AMD's approach to a 32-bit processor with 64-bit extentions added in is a good move. Intel was unsuccessful at making the 64-bit jump with the Itainium, unlike when the moved from a 16-bit architecture to the 32-bit one we're moving out of when the Pentium came around. For applications to be developed for a 64-bit world, the CPU's need to be there as well as an operating system, which is why you have 64-bit flavors of Windows and Linux out. While those are necessary bases, the software and driver support for 64-bit has to be there too, and that's the main hang up. Now, some people require the large memory addressing that 64-bit computing has, but that's not most people. I know most folks wouldn't have anywhere near the need for 32GB of RAM, but some situations require it, usually with server applications. Anyway, depending on your networking and CPU needs you've got Home or Pro. XP Pro key differences from home happen to be more robust networking and multiprocessor support (up to 2 physical CPU's---and I believe is required for dual-core CPU's).
