Should I install 64-bit versions of operating systems?

Yes absolutely. I haven't encountered any hardware or program issues. All of your 32-bit applications should work fine. Mine have. Windows 7 has got to have the best hardware support Windows has ever had

"Some hardware, especially if its old, won't work on a 64 bit machine if you can't find drivers for it.

Two pieces of hardware I ran into problems with was my Treo and an older HP laser printer I had."

"With most modern machines getting released with 4 GB or more these days (or at the least 2 GB), I really wish Microsoft would actually bite the bullet and just discontinue production of 32-bit OSes.

(I know... there are situations where people still need 32-bit... but really, until you force the issue there will always be stragglers.)

These days I'd say, if you are not sure, pick 64-bit (used to be, if you're not sure, pick 32-bit)."

"I've been running x64 Vista since February, and the only hardware that I've found not to have drivers are digital SLR cameras. There are workarounds for getting the files off (memory card reader, or putting the camera in PTP mode), but you won't be able to do anything like tethered shooting.

Some manufacturers are yet to commit to creating 64 bit drivers as well. As I see it, this is a bit of commercial suicide as it is photographers with fancy DSLRs that make the most out of having large amounts of RAM available..."

"Yes. When operating systems move to 64-bit only (Windows 8?) you will have an easier time upgrading than if you have a 32-bit operating system.

For most purposes you won't notice a difference. Everything should run just fine. Almost all recent hardware has 64-bit drivers."