That's one argument I hear all the time about those stating that their games run in Ultimate 64 when I try explaining to someone that it's based on a different platform while being 32bit backward compatible to a degree. Just because the 64bit editions support upto 8gb doesn't mean that it runs faster then the 32bit editions for gaming purposes.
The games and most programs in general are still 32bit for the time being. Like mentioned on many prior occasions the transition from 32 to 64bit overall won't come overnight like seen with the 95/98 transition in one version there from 16 to 32bit. 32bit and support for it have been around since NT 3.1 and OSR2 for 95 with 95 PLUS! or the second edition seeing the service pack included there.
How long has 64bit been available compared to 32bit? At this time almost 18yrs. for 32bit while late 2004/2005 saw the XP Pro 64 edition along with Linux 64 around that time as well. The next desktop version due in 2009-10 will still see 32bit editions with more emphasis there towards Microsoft's planned abandonment of 32bit from that point on. 64bit will prove to be a better platform in the long run like 32 was over 16bit.
As far as Vista over any other version of Windows it's sees it's pros and cons like any other version depending on what you are doing with the OS. Some things to note:
higher minimum memory requirement = expected for any newer version after this amount of time. XP higher then previous versions like 98 was over 3.1/95.
Improvement in drive tools over what was seen in XP.
Set back with lack of option for performing an actual repair of current installation forcing a full reinstallation of Windows whether on same or new primary.
saves original folders in Windows.old while XP simply deleted all MS created.
longer loading time to desktop then XP confirmed. Last thing loaded here is the ATI ccc after everything else for some reason.
Better crash control over XP with ctrl-alt-del key combination in many ways while still can lock solid at times like any other version.
"eye candy" and new UAC annoyances for most regular users.
The games and most programs in general are still 32bit for the time being. Like mentioned on many prior occasions the transition from 32 to 64bit overall won't come overnight like seen with the 95/98 transition in one version there from 16 to 32bit. 32bit and support for it have been around since NT 3.1 and OSR2 for 95 with 95 PLUS! or the second edition seeing the service pack included there.
How long has 64bit been available compared to 32bit? At this time almost 18yrs. for 32bit while late 2004/2005 saw the XP Pro 64 edition along with Linux 64 around that time as well. The next desktop version due in 2009-10 will still see 32bit editions with more emphasis there towards Microsoft's planned abandonment of 32bit from that point on. 64bit will prove to be a better platform in the long run like 32 was over 16bit.
As far as Vista over any other version of Windows it's sees it's pros and cons like any other version depending on what you are doing with the OS. Some things to note:
higher minimum memory requirement = expected for any newer version after this amount of time. XP higher then previous versions like 98 was over 3.1/95.
Improvement in drive tools over what was seen in XP.
Set back with lack of option for performing an actual repair of current installation forcing a full reinstallation of Windows whether on same or new primary.
saves original folders in Windows.old while XP simply deleted all MS created.
longer loading time to desktop then XP confirmed. Last thing loaded here is the ATI ccc after everything else for some reason.
Better crash control over XP with ctrl-alt-del key combination in many ways while still can lock solid at times like any other version.
"eye candy" and new UAC annoyances for most regular users.