Windows 10
 

Currently running vista so I u derstand I'll need to do a clean install. ( after saving all my rubbish )

What version should I use? 32 bit or 64? And does it really matter to a home user like me?

64 bit is the normal now. It allows you to have more the 4gb ram (if your PC will allow).

It's actually not so bad now, still some changes from the original Windows that take time to find or adjust too, but a massive improvement from the terrible Windows 8.

And if you download "Live TV" from the app store you can watch premium TV channels,;););)

Firstly I would check to make sure you have a 64 bit processor. If you open Control Panel >then> System, that will give you the info you need. If you are currently running a 32 bit system on a 64 bit processor, you can install either type, but if your processor is 32 bit, then you can only run a 32 bit operating system.

Personally I think you deserve a Gold Medal for putting up with Vista all these years :D:D
As said, check your machine and see if it is 32 or 64 bit.
Ken.

Thank you for all your responses. I'm not really that savvy re IT anymore...I just can't keep up with the pace of advancement...

I've kept using vista as I hardly use a PC these days however I keep hearing good things about 10 so I've decided to take the plunge

For my honest opinion, stick with Vista if you're happy with it. I see no point upgrading (term used very loosely) to Windows 10 if Vista does everything you want. It is also worth bearing in mind that 10 may not be compatible with your hardware. On the occasions that i have encountered Windows 10 on older equipment, there have been quirks with functionality and driver issues. I won't even bring up all the spying issues - ooops, i just did!!
I've been running Vista for years on all but 3 of my computers and once you learn how to use it, it is an excellent OS. (Nervously waiting for all the knives to be hurled at my back now)

I agree and still have it on one PC.

The only thing to be aware of is that Vista will go out of Microsoft extended support during April 2017. After that, its vulnerability will increase with time. Whether that matters will depend on the purpose for which the PC is used.

I also still have XP on one machine with legacy application and love it. It's just not connected to the internet anymore.

Having had 'fun' with everything from Windows 95 to Windows 10 and many flavours of UNIX, Linux and Solaris. In the Windows world the best since XP is Windows 7. While there may possibly be some small performance benefits with Windows 10 it just isn't worth the aggravation and constant re-checking of all the security and privacy settings after every update (which appear to constantly turn insecure settings back on - tell MS everything by default).