Virtual Machine vs Dual-Boot

[aimeeandbeatles]

I've been having trouble dual-booting Linux and then I saw something online and I've been wondering if it'll be easier to use in a VM.

In your opinions, which would be better -- virtual machine or dual-boot?

Also, what's a good (free) virtual machine program?

 

[Till]

If you need full multimedia performance (sound and 3d hardware accelerated graphics), dual booting is your best choice.
If you need the fastest possible virtualization (without great multimedia support) and plan to run Linux, install colinux or one of its derivatives.
In all other cases a user level virtual machine is best. VirtualBox is a free one. I'm sure wiki lists more...

 

[Genocidicbunny]

If you only need the second OS for a few specific tasks, ones not especially resource heavy, then installing it in a VM is a good choice. For instance, I have a couple of VM's with old windows OS' for old games that arent DOS based.