I've been thinking of installing Vista for a few weeks now, but I don't know much about ti. What are it's strengths? What are it's weaknesses? Is x86 or x64 better? What programs are compatible? I've searched google, but no website gives me good answers, so I want to know from someone who uses it

it looks pretty, that's about it

So i guess I should just stick to a Vista theme then, eh? I just wanted to know if there were any revolutionary new changes that would change the way I use a computer or something. Thanks.

Oh, by the way, what is the difference between x86 and x64?

^^That.

Despite what some people claim, it does not run faster than XP - all benchmarks show that it runs slower.
Compatibility is also a fair issue of Vista.  You don't really get anything beneficial if you ask me.  I've also seen others claim it "more stable than XP" but seriously, Windows really doesn't crash by itself.  Also, my experience is that Vista is less stable than XP.

Oh, and x86 and x64 are sorda different things.  The latter refers to the 64 bit version of Vista (only runs on 64 bit CPUs).  Basically, the 64 bit version will have the ability to run 64 bit apps as well, but you'll need to have 64 bit drivers installed (currently rather scarce)

Yeah, I have Media Center Edition with 1GB RAM and 2.4 GHz CPU speed, and I'll just install a total conversion theme. I actually found a cool one that makes everything look like Vista, even down to the transparent windows.

If anyone wants it I can probably upload it

NO. use search for my reasons

Well From what i have experienced with Vista is that it didn't like my old Desktop pc (i have yet to try it on my new desktop)
I do on the other hand have a new laptop that came with vista home prem already installed, and so far i haven't found to many issues with it, Some games like Free mmorpg's do not support vista, because the anti hacking system trys to access the kernal32, and vista has no kernal32 so it just blue screens to death all the time. But so far on my new laptop im very happy with it, but i don't use my laptop like my desktop. So in other words unless you have the desktop set up with vista in mind (aka newest motherboard, processer at least 2gb or more of ram) Don't switch
If you play any kind of gaming, 2GB of Ram is a huge must.
as for z7shaft. Dual core doesn't exactly work that way. Dual Core is meaning there are 2 processors basically that each do different task's in windows. So lets say your watching a video(Core1), and scanning for virus's(Core2)

vista is worthless, and heavily overpriced. i wouldnt pay $50 for it. now before i say the next thing, it must be clear that ive never used linux and have had xp installed on all my pcs at all times. i also dislike linux for many reasons. but in the case of vista, both mac os x and the latest own its donkey off. try this: search youtube for beryl. most clips are up to 10 mins, just watch a few parts. stunning.

ive had vista installed when it was in beta 2, and i just hated it. not only is it not that special at all, its security is annoying and it MUNCHES all your performance away. my pc isn't that bad, but i really prefer XP over vista and i may be converting to a ubuntu dual boot some time now that i know that vista sucks so bad. its disappointing. wee have a iMac at home, i don't really use it and theres lots of stuff i hate about it. the design of the hardware is flawless though, and the good part about Mac OSX is that it works. it really does. unlike windows.

for instance, if my grandma would want to learn to use a pc i would force her to get a mac.

I prefer xp over vista anyday.

NO i hate my vista !!