vista 64 and 86 differences

[ipam45]

this is a noobish question and i have pondered this for a long time.

what is the difference between the 64 bit OS and a 86 bit OS. i know that my processor is 86x...does that mean i can only use the 86x OS or does that mean i can use both of them?

 

[LhasaCM]

I suggest this thread (http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1146181&highlight=vista+64) as well as this write-up (http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_ff_x64.asp). If after reading those you still have specific questions, fire away