I have two computers running Windows 7 64-bit as their operating system, and I also have a third system which uses Windows 7 32-bit. While I'm pleased overall with all of these computers, I notice both of the 64-bit units experience seemingly random occurrences of BSOD (blue screen of death). These are not too frequent, but they are not uncommon either (probably ~1-3 occurrences per system per month in my experience). On the flipside, my trusty 32-bit Windows 7 OS system has had just two BSODs over 5.5 years. I tried to glean information from the internet briefly a few times regarding any differences in stability between 64 bit vs 32 bit Windows 7 OS... Did find some affirmation that 64 bit OS Windows systems experienced more BSODs / crashes in general, but with little specific troubleshooting available at that time (some mention of poorly written device drivers or 3rd party software programs running in the background). The systems chug along apparently just fine otherwise; they reboot without any problems, all programs and data intact.
My question - anybody have relative stability information first-hand regarding Windows 8 64-bit OS versus Windows 7 64-bit OS ? Any fewer occurrences of BSODs in your opinion? I ask because I am considering to buy a new small business laptop, and many manufacturers still offer Windows 7 pre-install (with Windows 8 upgrade rights) or Windows 7 downgrade rights from a Windows 8 pre-install. Thanks for any and all information you may have specifically regarding stability of Windows 8 vs. Windows 7 (64 bit versions of these OS).