A few questions about which OS to choose and how to install on a new system

[Meghiddo]

I am getting a PC built on CyberPowerPC.com and I am trying to decide between OS options.

First off, is Vista still too buggy or is it worth it yet? SHould I stick with XP for online gaming?

Second I have the option to just have them build the PC with two formatted hard drives and no OS. I can get the OS from my school for very very cheap. Is it as simple as just putting the CD in the drive and following the instructions or is there more to it? I have always gotten new systems with the OS already added so I am wondering if it will be worth the money I will save to put it on by myself, with no experience or knowledge on how to install an OS on a brand new system.

Last, what is the difference between the 32 bit and 64 bit versions of the OS?

[GretaP]

Hi Meghiddo,

I can't really make a comparison for you of Vista vs. XP for online gaming, as I have not yet installed and used Vista. The only general thing I can tell you, as far as gaming is concerned, is that Vista supports DirectX10 and XP does not.

Is it as simple as just putting the CD in the drive and following the instructions or is there more to it?

With the latest OSes, basically yes. And there are numerous online tutorials for installing XP and Vista. I look at it not only in terms of the money you will save, but the knowledge and experience you will gain by installing the OS on your own. Sure, it's handier, perhaps, to have the OS pre-installed, but if some time down the road something goes awry that requires you to do a reformat/reinstall, you'll end up having to learn how to do it anyway.....and you'll wish that you had taken the time to have learned it prior to this occurring.

Last, what is the difference between the 32 bit and 64 bit versions of the OS?

Check these out:
Overview of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition

Windows Vista 64-bit Computing