Steve:

I'm not a typical user but I'm new the the 64 bit thing and admit I don't quite understand the difference(s).

I work with digital audio and a very powerful machine (i975 quad 3.3, 12 RAM and 2.5 terabytes). The issue when changing over to a 64 bit OS is usually the availability of drivers for audio devices and hardware.

I guess my question is, assuming drivers are not an issue and 32 bit stuff runs fine - why don't we all just use a 64 bit OS and benefit from the additional RAM?

There must be more to a 64 bit OS than just being able to read a long number?