It's not just the op system. The ProGram needs to be 64bit too. Without much struggle, the next FS will want to use well into 3Gs of physical ram. Consider: Addressable Space usage (the OOM stuff) always runs well above the actual physical ram load. With a 32 bit program pushing physical ram usage well into the 3G area, addressable space will be pushed even higher. Once addressable space hits the 4G limit, this will OOM even a 64bit op system (see pic above). This is the same "addressable space leads physical ram load" dynamic that chronically OOMs 32bit op systems now at 2G AS usages. . . but with one show-stopping difference. A 32bit program's addressable space tops out at 4G (2 to the 32nd, remember). Even a 64bit op system "4 Terabite switch" will not help. Physical ram will try want more and more of that last 3rd G and push AS over 4G and bammm. OOM. It will be a limitations of the 32bit program . . . NoT the 64bit operating system. That messy transition is upon us.

>While we will all agree that a 64 bit OS running a 64 bit FS>offers undeniable advantages, I'm not sure if there will>enough users running a 64 bit OS in the next few years that>would allow MS to make the next FS 64 bit.I think that the full transition to 64 bit is nearly upon us, and I fully expect it to be the way to go by FS11. I'm already seeing non-gaming computers in the stores with 64 bit operating systems.ArtBiostar TF560-A2+, Athlon 64X2-6000+, 4GB RAM, Geforce 8800GTS-320MB, 500W PSU, 250GB HD, FSX (SP1-SP2), Vista Home Premium 32 bit, CH Yoke & Pedals, 22" WS LCD monitor