[CentOS] difference in x86 64 bit centos between 4.x and 5.xversions

[RobertH]

> 
> My opinion is to first determine a few issues.
> 
> How much RAM will it need?  If over 3GB of physical RAM, 
> consider 64 bit.
> Are there third party applications you need to run on it?  If they are
> 64 bit, that answers the question too.  If 32 bit, are they 
> supported on 64 bit OS?  Do they have different versions for 
> 32 and 64 bit?
> 

lots of good info to ponder back from those that responded.

what i a getting at is, why would one use x86 64 bit Centos version 4.7 when
one can get the same in x86 64bit Centos 5.2 or later version?

is there a reason to stay with the older version other than for specific
deprecated hardware issues or something else?

is 64 bit Centos 5 just plain better OR would some of you choose 4.7 over
5.x and why?

 - rh