New to Vista, few questions.

I just needed some questions answered about Vista x64 and this site seemed pretty much perfect.

1) I am purchasing a new laptop and it comes with Vista x64 not 32bit, which is sweet, but what exactly does that mean? I know the processor is faster and whatnot but what is essentially better about this OS than that of XP or any other os?

2) What is all this Partition stuff I keep reading about?

3) I have been a die hard XP user for the last 17 years of my life and am completely alien to new OS's and compatibility issues. Can I still use the same programs and applications for this new laptop as I did for my desktop with Xp?

4) I was told to not downgrade to XP Pro because that would be a waste, why is this?

5) What will optimize my experience with vista, meaning what can I do to make vista run at its full potential and what are the first things I should do with Vista?

6) Any other tips would be very helpful.

I am familiar with computer hardware and software alike, i have a background in programming and web development. I am not a complete idiot, although the questions I asked make me sound like this is my first computer. I greatly appreciate any help you guys could give me and sincerely thank you.

This link will help you understand the difference in the two os bit systems and help you understand why they (MS) is leaning towards the x64 system totally.

Differences and Advantages Between 32-bit (x86) VS 64-bit (x64) Windows Vista » My Digital Life

Allow me to welcome you to the forum. I am relatively new, also, but have learned a lot and enjoy reading comments from other members. I will answer the questions that I have learned from using Vista, myself, and let others such as Brink, have a try at the others.

I think that it would be foolish to downgrade to XP Pro, because it is no longer supported and at best, it is equal to Vista. I personally like Vista, its features and the support that I get from Microsoft, such as updates (especially security related). I am using programs from Windows 98, you should have no problem using your windows XP programs. Microsoft has a site that lets you know what is compatible with Vista http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/

I, too have 64 Bit. I bought 64, because it is the wave of the future. Even during the 7 months, since my purchase more and more lap tops come equipped with 64. As the years go by, programs will be written with 64. The speed of 64, will become the norm. I believe that after the next OS, from Microsoft will be in 64, only.

Here is a link from Brink of this Forum with how to speed up Vista

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/81176-speed-up-performance-vista.html


How to speed up Vista. Again from Brink


http://www.vistax64.com/vista-news/99613-64-bit-more-than-just-ram.html


Enjoy your stay at the Forum and enjoy Vista. Hope that I have been some help.