Vista - 64-bit compatibility

Hey guys, just want to start off by saying that I'm new here, and if this is the wrong place for this, i apologize and feel free to move it accordingly. I've got a couple of questions that I wanted to see if I could get an answer to.

I'm running Vista Home Premium x64 and thus far have felt that its done a more than adequate job of "running the show". However, I don't use my computer for very strenuous tasks...basically just Firefox, MSN, and music/pictures every now and then. I've recently run into compatibility problems though, and its starting to annoy me. It seems like any software I try to install, unless made by a major company, doesn't run on x64. Just today I've attempted to install 3 programs, only to have it tell me that the program cannot be opened after installing.

My question (that I basically know the answer to) is if there's any way to make these programs run on my system regardless? I'm guessing not, but I thought it was worth asking. Secondly, would it be better to partition my hard drive and put either a 32-bit verson of vista or XP on it? I already have uBuntu on a partition, however that's also 64-bit (plus its linux, so already that limits the amount of software available).

I'm also just wondering if the lack of 64-bit compatibility annoys anybody else, or is it just me? I just cant seem to find many programs that work with my OS...

Thanks for any and all help

Make sure that you have all the service packs up to date and windows up to date, you don't need to install Service pack 2 RC but just make sure that its up to date and you should have no problems, other then that you can check your ram that the #1 course off problems, the other thing u can do is do fresh install, sometimes you can get a buggy install.

What are the programs that wont work.
I have found that some old programs may not work but for the most of them there are workarounds.
Have you looked for updates and patches for the programs.
Have you googled the problem or asked here if there is an answer to the problems.
Have you looked for an alternate program that is newer and will work better?