The free VMWare Player (downloadable from File Hippo w/o registration) is far better than Windows Virtual PC, and a bit better than VBox. It's so much easier to configure. Plus it allows for you to use 2 cores w/o the hassle that goes with VBox. Windows Virtual PC doesn't even allow you to multicore. Stay away from alternatives such as VMLite, that claims that XP Mode can be run in Vista, it's a piece of crap, and it's use is against MS's intended use for XP Mode. However, if one doesn't have a valid install (license) of XP, then Windows Virtual PC will do. The color (16bit) is terrible, but that can be fixed with a simple registry hack, giving one 24bit color. It's probably been already covered on the forum, if not, someone PM me, & I'll give the simple instructions. After restarting XP Mode, one can see the difference right then. As far as the choice of whether or not to virtualize depends on the user, the machine it'll run on (newer computers have fewer options for XP installs, but it's not impossible). I use virtual machines to try things out, if I like what I see, usually I install the OS. The lower powered the computer, the more practical this is (lending RAM slows down the main install). To really get the most out of running VM's, I suggest a computer that has a minimum of 4GB RAM, preferably 6GB, and a decent dual core CPU (no less than 2GHz). I've been running VM's since 2009, and although not a guru by any means, these basics can steer a user in the right direction. There's no such thing as "one size fits all", it's entirely up to the user as to the best solution. Play with all options, even try dual booting, in time each user will find the solution that's right for him/herself. As with a regular install, the user must install & maintain an AV/IS solution, and do routine maintaining, such as defragging. And be sure to back up the system often when using the VM. Treat it as a regular install, you can get a lot done with 1 PC that would in the past take 2PC's, saving the user a ton of cash. Currently, I'm running a total of 14 VM's spread across 8 installs. Most are Windows XP/2000, some are various versions of Linux. Needless to say, I have my work cut out on Update Tuesday.
Cat