[bk39]

I am going to return my Inspiron 530s. Not being computer literate, I now understand some of the requirements I needed that I did not know when I ordered it.

It is not powerful enough to accommodate a GeForce 8500, 1g, graphics card and other deficits. I am not going to get a slim tower for one thing, more wattage, now has 250w, how much do I need??

One other question I do have is, this unit is a 32 bit,
Do I want or need a 64 bit?? And what does the "bit" do for you.

Thanks Seahwk83 and ScottGem for your help. I am sure I will be back again soon.

Thanks again...
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I may not be able to return the Inspiron as I may have passed my 21 day return privilege by a day or two, we'll see, I am calling them today.
If not, woe is me.

[seahwk83]

Really don't need 64bit operating system, a new system you buy will 'more than likely' have a 64bit processor but installed with 32bit operating system which is fine for the everyday user.

Look for a system that has what you are looking for, as far as graphics and performance. Whatever you decide on will come with power supply that will work with purchase as far as graphics and performance.

- Less numbers of softwares (including drivers) are available for 64-bit Vista. Also, other 64-bit systems runs 32-bit application very well, but that's not the case with 64-bit Vista. It does not support 32-bit drivers at all. And, unlike 32-bit Vista where it just gives a warning for unsigned drivers, 64-bit Vista does not load unsigned drivers. Also, 16-bit application are not supported by 64-bit Vista.

- Vista 64-bit include a new secret security feature called Address Space Layout Randmonizer (ASLR) that helps eliminate remote system attacks for the first time on the Windows platform and is not available for 32-bit Vista.

- Vista 64-bit provide support for hardware-backed Data Execution Protection (DEP), which helps to prevent the buffer overflows that are commonly used in electronic attacks, whereas 32-bit Vista utilize a less effective, software-based version of DEP.

- 64-bit Vista has a feature called Kernel Patch Protection (also known as PatchGuard) which prevents malicious software from patching Vista Kernel. It prevents kernel-mode drivers from extending or replacing other kernel services and prevents third-party software from patching any part of the kernel.

- 32-bit Vista support up to 4 GB of RAM where as different 64-bit version of Vista support different size RAM as
Vista Home Basic - 8 GB of RAM
Vista Home Premium - 16 GB
Vista Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate - 128 GB

- You can upgrade from XP 64-bit to Vista 64-bit, but not from Vista 32-bit to Vista 64-bit.