Do you guys think that the only way 64bit processors will be a must for mainstream computers is when programs such as games and photo editing will need more then 4gb of ram? AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ OC 2.7ghz 2GB Dual Channel DDR 3200 Nvidia 7900GT SATA II 2x 300gig 7200rpm 16mb cache RAID-0 Gigabyte Nforce 4 SLI

Remember, at least with Windows, much above 2GB's of RAM in the 32-bit version isn't used very effectively. 2GB obviously isn't the theoretical limit, but you can already begin to see improvements with 2GB of RAM. I think Vista honestly will end up becoming what makes 64-bit mainstream. As of now, Microsoft has already moved to have features exclusively for the 64-bit version, namely Kernel Patch Protection, or PatchGuard. While it is currently somewhat trivial for a hacker to bypass (intentional by Microsoft at this point), it will eventually be strengthened, and it does set a very clear rule that modifying the kernel for both hackers and software developers will not be tolerated. That effectively means software developers will be forced to not modify the kernel in the 64-bit version, so if the kernel is modified, it must have been either a bad software developer or hacker. This will in time greatly reduce the prevalence of root kits and other maleware, or at the very least make it easier to detect these. Once the easy vulnerabilities are found from hackers pounding on Vista upon release and Microsoft patches them, Vista will be far more secure than Windows XP, with the 64-bit version even more so. Translated for people, gamers, etc. they'll just notice their machines run far better with the 64-bit version, since the likeliness of anyone's rootkit being on there, a hacker's or Symantec's, will more likely not be on their machine. The technical people with the knowledge of the advanced features will know why, and will probably advocate 64-bit over the 32-bit heavily. I know I will be! "Enough, enough bowing down to disillusion! Hats off & applause to rogues & evolution! The ripple effect is too good not to mention. If you’re not affected, you’re not paying attention!"