Windows 7: New MOBO, Which OS to use? Win7 32Bit or 64 Bit?

(first time posting here)

Hello!
Just picked up an Asus M4A89GTD Pro/USB3 Mobo, 4 Gigs of RAM and using a bunch of old stuff to Upgrade my old 1.8Ghz AMD dinosaur! :-)

My question is regarding Which OS should I use?
1. At present I have specialized software (32 bit) for my specific industry. The sofware mfgrs tell me they are not in any rush to do a 64bit rewrite anytime soon! <arg> I am considering a dual boot system, although I have never done that before.



2. I am also going to need to update my MS OFFICE software and my Adobe Master Suite software, and Im told that the 64 bit version is much cleaner and faster than the 32 bit. Is that true?

and finally ...
3. Do they make (or is there a way) to maybe purchase a 64 bit version and to somehow make it run in 32bit mode? (if there is such a thing???)

There, Ive managed to make a total fool of myself with these questions, so after you wiz kids finish laughing, hehe, lemme know what you think!

Thank You very Much!!!
-raz888-

Almost all 32-bit apps work in 64-bit

There is no noticeable difference with the x64 version

32-bit programs will run under 64-bit. The OS will automatically run them in WOW64 mode
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WoW64

Go with 64-bit if you have more than 3GB of RAM

Hi there
Adobe Photoshop CS4/5 DEFINITELY 64 bit version.
In general I'd recommend 64 bit since that's "the flow".

For some legacy hardware you will need 64 bit device drivers that will be non existant so these will HAVE to run on a 32 bit machine. Some of these might not even work on Windows 7 32 bit even in "compatability" mode.

Most 32 bit SOFTWARE that doesn't require specific hardware should run OK.

What you need to decide is what CANNOT run on 64 bit windows and how often do you run it.

If it's a small number and you are not running it all the time then create an XP Virtual Machine (or use XP mode) for these applications and hardware.

Otherwise stick to 32 bit Windows or even dual boot -- although with hardware these days much more powerful I would go the Virtual Machine route rather than use Dual Booting.


Cheers
jimbo

Hello Raz888, welcome to Seven Forums!



Just be sure to get (at least) Windows 7 Professional so you can run XP mode if need be; a full retail version comes with both 32-bit and 64-bit installation DVDs to make life easier and be sure to post back with any further questions you may have and to keep us informed.

click to enlarge

If you plan on using Premiere CS5 and After Effects CS5 in your updated Master Suite, you WILL need Windows 7 64bit.

Given the memory you plan to use, there's no reason to avoid running x64. That being said, run XP Mode or virtualize an older license of XP to handle the older apps that won't run...assuming they definitely will not work with an x64 OS. This way, it runs when you need it, and keep the system simple and running efficient.