will vista 64 bit edition support older files programs

I'm about to download and install windows vista but can't decide which version I should download. I have a AMD 64 mobile Athlon. If I were to download the 64 bit edition would it support all my older files, programs and applications? If I want my older applications to work should I download the 32 bit edition? Is there a very noticable speed and performance upgrade between the two editions? Thanks for you're help and time.
Ryan

There is no guarantee all your applications will work under either, its trial and error right now since its beta. If your applications 32 bit or 64-bit native, they should work just fine. If some of those applications are 32-bit utilize 16 bit installers or uninstallers, they will not work. You hardware devices also need to be fully 64-bit native to work with Vista x64 and possibly be Signed and Verified drivers. -- -- Andre Windows Connected | http://www.windowsconnected.com Extended64 | http://www.extended64.com Blog | http://www.extended64.com/blogs/andre http://spaces.msn.com/members/adacosta

"Neversummer75" wrote in message

I'm about to download and install windows vista but can't decide which version I should download. I have a AMD 64 mobile Athlon. If I were to download the 64 bit edition would it support all my older files, programs and applications? If I want my older applications to work should I download the 32 bit edition? Is there a very noticable speed and performance upgrade between the two editions? Thanks for you're help and time.
Ryan