Hi Joe,
The 64-bit version is only useful if you have software written to run in
64-bit mode, otherwise it's not going to make anything faster as the
programs just run in 32-bit mode. Right now, the vast majority of software
available on the consumer market is 32-bit.
As to the drivers, yes, that is a correct assessment. Component
manufacturers aren't rushing out to create them for x64, and in Vista it is
required to have signed drivers for a component to work. If the component
isn't natively supported, and the manufacturer hasn't released a 64-bit
driver, the component simply isn't going to work (and this is quite common
for a lot of peripherals).
Also, there is no upgrading from a 32-bit to a 64-bit OS, it is clean
install only.
--
Best of Luck,
Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
Windows help -
www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts
http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com