Windows Vista greets Moore's law: 64-bit desktop is here

Windows Vista was sold on security. This pitch didn't work and that is a good thing. You don't sell security. Security is bought out of fear, it is reactionary, not innovative. However you put it, hype on security is lame. You need more than fear to have a compelling value proposition, something like features and convenience. Vista didn't have these and most of us stayed with Windows XP.

But guess what happened in 2008? Moore's law ran over 32-bit operating systems. We have more memory than 32-bit x86 architecture can handle without issues. Many of us started with 2GB of RAM and now have 4GB. Even my 60-year old parents bought a new ultra-cheap desktop with 3GB preinstalled. 

In 2009, 4GB is common and 8GB is probably what you really want. This means that you'll need a 64bit operating system. In Windows, your options will mostly be limited to Vista 64-bit right now and Windows 7 later. There is no way around it and that is why Vista 64-bit does not need to be sold. It will sell itself.

Even if it's a forced update, 64-bit Vista promises security and stability improvements compared to XP. All 64-bit drivers will be signed, hopefully resulting in fewer blue screens.

-mika-