Hi there sorry if this is a double post, if this topic has already been covered please direct me to the right place.

I have a 64 bit system and am excited to install the 64 bit version of Vista RC1 on my system. I am wondering if I will be able to use it as my primary OS. I currently use my computer mostly for surfing the internet, using microsoft word 2007 beta2, playing CS:source, using AutoCAD 2006 and iTunes.

I just want to know if I will see any decrease in performance or any compatibility issues with the programs I mentioned. Also, I'm kinda new to this so when I install vista will it delete all my programs that I have currently installed? or will they still be there?

Do you think it would be necessary to partition my hard drive to keep my current copy xp installed? or should I not worry about doing that?

Thank you for all your help, I know there's a million questions in there but if you can answer one or two, it would be highly appreciated.