Vista x64

Does Vista x64 cause much problems with older software or Blitzmax?
I've ordered a new computer that has Vista x64 installed and should arrive in a couple of days and now I'm thinking it was a bad idea to get Vista on.

Provided your hardware has Vista-compatible drivers (which it should if its a new PC) there shouldn't be any problems.

There's some older stuff that doesn't even run on Vista32. Technically my (right) PC system is ready for 64, performance-wise, but I'll wait a bit for the bugfixes, drivers and .. well, practically speaking, 64bit versions of the essential software I run.

It should be its Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 and GeForce 8800GTS gfx card.

Is there a permanent way around the driver signing requirement?

no.
Its part of the 64bit security system and won't be removed to make the system stable. Unsigned drivers can cause crashes and security problems and tend to do it as well.

MS isn't accepting the "Windows is not secure and the worst OS of all" anymore.

Plus it 'conveniently' helps them to prevent 'unauthorized' programs from having direct hardware access, to ensure that they can't bypass any of the built-in DRM features at the same time.

Not all driver authors have the money to get it signed.

Good to see they're working on making it secure atleast.

I've found this that supposely explains how to permanently disable the driver signing requirement.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/60393-disable-driver-signing-x64.html