D'Lanor wrote:
The Vista installation disk will include both the 32- and 64-bit versions. So even if you start with a 32-bit version you should always be able to switch to 64-bit later through a clean install.
Sorry, but that is
NOT entirely correct. I'm an OEM System Builder that deals with Microsoft's licensing every day and I've found some interesting information that you should be aware of. As far as I know, all of this information is correct (if another system builder wants to dispute it, feel free):
OEM Versions shipping with new PC's, or purchased from OEM System Builders for DIY'ers will only have either a 32-bit or 64-bit version on the disc. They
will, however, have Windows Anytime Upgrade included on the DVD versions, but CD OEM Versions will be restricted to a single product - either Vista Home Basic, or Vista Business in 32-bit only. Those are the only OEM Versions that will be available on CD. Just to let you know, Vista Home Basic consists of 5 CD's. Some major OEM's such as Dell, HP, etc. may have modified the original install media or may include a custom hard drive recovery option that is not the same as what your local computer store would get, so they may include both versions on disc. That decision is up to them, and it's up to you to ask them which versions they include with the new computer. So far, I would personally wait until SP1 comes out, which is before the end of the year, before upgrading to the 64-bit version. Although hardware support seems to be quite good on the 64-bit version, software support is not so great. So far, MU:OL-standalone (not Gametap) runs great on either though, just to let you know.
Don't be discouraged by this news though - Microsoft will have a media upgrade option to obtain the alternate version (either 32-bit or 64-bit, whichever one you DIDN'T buy) on DVD. This will allow you to use your current product key and license, but will allow the other version to be installed instead. The cost of media is very small - about $20US - and can be purchased from your local system builder.
Note, however, that this DOES NOT entitle you to install the 32-bit version on one computer and the 64-bit version on another, since the product key is only allowed on one computer at a time. It also DOES NOT allow for multi-boot operations.
Just on a side note, if you already have a license of Vista and a genuine Microsoft install media set (not a recovery disc set from a big namebrand), you can also purchase additional licenses without the media and save about $20-30 per additional license. You can also purchase and download Windows Vista via the Windows Marketplace. These are NOT OEM versions though - they are retail, and will cost much more than OEM versions.
I hope that helps.