IgNiTeD SoUL

To get the absolute best security with Windows Vista, run one of the x64 versions of

the operating system.That’s because the x64 versions of

Windows Vista include a few unique security features that are not available or as

effective in the 32-bit versions of the operating system. These include:

• A new feature called Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) that randomly

loads key system files in memory, making them harder to attack remotely.

• A hardware-backed version of Data Execution Protection (DEP) that helps prevent

buffer overflow-based attacks.

• x64 drivers must be digitally signed, which suggests (but doesn’t ensure) that

x64 drivers will be more stable and secure than 32-bit drivers, which are often

the cause of instability issues in Windows.

Of course, x64 versions of Windows Vista have their own compatibility issues, both

with software and hardware. The tradeoff is yours to make: Better security and reliability

or compatibility.