[ale] Semi-OT, Windows as VM guest

[parspes]

 If you are feeling in the open source spirit you could try ReactOS.
http://www.reactos.org/
http://www.pcquest.com/pcquest/news/178193/reactos-an-open-source-os-with-look-feel-windows
http://liliputing.com/2014/11/reactos-inches-closer-becoming-true-windows-2000-clone.html

> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 16:47:40 -0500 (EST)
> From: Ken Cochran <kwc at shell.TheWorld.com>
> To: ale at ale.org
> Subject: [ale] Semi-OT, Windows as VM guest
> Message-ID: <201411272147.sARLleXK7616871 at shell01.TheWorld.com>
>
> Semi-OT, so off-list reply ok & I'll try to summarize back.
>
> Hey ALErs & Happy Thanksgiving!
>
> I have a few applications that *require* Windows & won't run in
> an emulator (a la Wine/CrossOver, believe me, we've tried).  They
> should run fine in a VM though.
>
> Questions:
>
> What is the "best" (or recommended version(s)) of Windows to run
> as a guest/hosted in a VM?  Looks like my choices are 7 Pro or
> 8.1 Pro.  I'm thinking 7Pro - everyone else I've talked with
> *hates* 8; thought I might ask here.
>
> Should it be the OEM DVD or is this something I can/should
> download & make into a USB/flashdrive install?
>
> Does MS maintain the download images with service packs and/or patches?
>
> Can I "migrate" a Windows VM to a different machine, as needed?
>
> If I download it, how do I go about getting proper/valid/legal
> license key(s)?
>
> As usual, pointers to FAQs, docs, FMs to RT are quite welcome.  :)
>
> -kc