Not a pro at dual boot and am a glutton for punishment!

[Micro]

Well if using 7 or 8 I sure hope you have atleast 2 GB of RAM. And I'm sure nowadays most will atleast have 4 and that is plenty. And even better if you have VM Workstation as it has specific setting to allow guest to fit virtual memory into host RAM, which is even better for management...

[Xanayoshi]

Well if using 7 or 8 I sure hope you have atleast 2 GB of RAM. And I'm sure nowadays most will atleast have 4 and that is plenty. And even better if you have VM Workstation as it has specific setting to allow guest to fit virtual memory into host RAM, which is even better for management...

My system slows down horribly at almost 5. I figure I would at least want about 6.

Hmm..I bet using SSD speeds things along. I didn't think about that.

My computer was originally owned by the Britons, who used it to send an e-mail requesting that Rome send soldiers to aid in warding off Viking raids.

[pam]

Well if using 7 or 8 I sure hope you have atleast 2 GB of RAM. And I'm sure nowadays most will atleast have 4 and that is plenty. And even better if you have VM Workstation as it has specific setting to allow guest to fit virtual memory into host RAM, which is even better for management...

My system slows down horribly at almost 5. I figure I would at least want about 6.

Hmm..I bet using SSD speeds things along. I didn't think about that.

That says it all.

Keep the setup simple, there is nothing complex in it.
As pointed out earlier, dual or multibooting is the correct way to boot different OS's you want.
Its straight forward if you install windows and then linux.
Still No problems when you install linux and then windows...use boot repair to install grub which will scan and pickup all the OS's.

Rescatux is the solution, if you keep changing OS's everyday.

[Micro]

My work machine is running Debian on a Dell laptop with 4 GB RAM on a 7200 sata non ssd. I have vmWorkstation 9 with my work Windows 7 image running using 2 GB ram alocated from host. My federal image has way more startup crap than anyones home Windows 7 ever will. 2 Desktop validators, citrix, HBSS, Active Client, etc, etc. And it runs fine. Better than it did when it was running soley on this dell. Now I cant speak for Vbox, so i guess that may be the issue as it doesnt have all the tweaks available like Workstation does. But its def not as old as your machine...

[pam]

VMWorkstation is the real deal.
Virtualbox is just phlegm on sidewalk compared to it.


If you have a muscle CPU and lots of RAM, you wont notice the difference, although multitasking proves it.

[BBOSAK2143]

Is like I usually say "Save the best for last!" Had to format the drive installed Windows7 with sp1 then I put mine in. After that just like a diamond in grub ready to go!!! Of course while on Win7 I will not have USB3. Unfortunately, Windows never looks to the future only the here and now! Is about a half day shot down so far on all this!!!! My system took a total of 20 minutes to set up as had to install the ati drivers. Windows on the other hand, Asus was not real kind with all their driver files as seems to be a variation on these models!!!! So it took a few tries with drivers but most are proper now. ATI video drivers do not work! On my desktop takes 2 times to install on Windows before it actually functions! In Linux is a one time shot!!!! Laptop is knocking out the shutdown screen(fancy Stargate theme) but is most likely a video setting will find later on!!!! That is the major problem for my OS. With Win7 the battle is just beginning!!!! Have more installations to do but thus far Office, MS Streets is there ready to roll with new explorer. Notice when you pop open Explorer it does the same side-winding Windows 8 does!!!!! Article looked interesting but it just side-winded away from it!!!! Maybe the younger generation is enticed by the side-winding motions of Win8, but after all the years I dealt with that system, I honestly thought more things would be taken care of internally. Instead is just Cosmetic or reminds me of Heavy Makeup!!!! Used to hear that ole joke "Wonder what she looks like without the makeup?" Well, after a few days of looking at that system (Win8) basically reminded me of that! Of course could see under the makeup that basically is still on the same track as it was back in 2002!!!!! Not good! To me, Linux is much more advanced, but at times might even be a little too much! Have to say the truth! I mean there has just been a major move with Linux to stay up with everything, but we do have folks that are working on the future!!! So yes,once in a while one of these things overlaps with today's technology and can be troublesome!!! Still is very minimal and is awesome that these people have everyone's concerns in mind as they look to keep the road ahead clear for us!!!! Will also say this forever, every time I see Windows, I appreciate Linux more!!!!! Thank God, Linux is here!!!!