jaypeecee, welcome to the forum! I hope that you find a home in our forum, as I did last November. Like you, I made the leap of going 64 bit myself, though at the time of purchase I didn't know that I was getting a 64 bit computer. I only knew that it was new, with Windows 7, and found out that I had 64 bit when it arrived.
But that turned out nicely for me, and I believe that it will for you, too. There have been many debates on 64 vs 32 bit, and vice versa, but in the end, the 64 bit computer is a better one. As a fellow member here once told me, using a 64 bit system is like driving on a four lane highway, and the 32 bit is like a two lane one. It made good since to me, and is a simple way to compare between the two versions.
Throw in 4GB of RAM in each, the difference is immediately seen. The 32 bit cannot even use the full amount of RAM (speed), while the 64 bit one can use it all, if necessary, with ease.
I agree with TrainableMan, Windows 7 Pro is the optimal choice, but paying for it to be installed from the factory (or retail seller) is high. With the Anytime Upgrade, it can be had for $89 (US Dollars). All versions of 7 (even Starter) has all the different features of the OS built in, you simply need a key to unlock them.
I wish you the best of success in your venture, and anytime that you need assistance, always feel free to post. There are many tutorials on the forum, as well as a newly created Free Software Database, where many of very useful, essential software applications can be found. And there's plenty of friendly help here, too.
Best of Luck,
Cat
