Windows 7

[JL235]

Yeah, you can do that, you can multi-boot DOS, XP, 7 or any combination of the old OSs, as long as you install them from oldest to newest.
Alternatively, the VM/Virtual PC solution is possibly worth trying. The integration of XP-32 inside 7-64 that I last saw was excellent.  The 32bit XP apps just appeared like ordinary windows inside the desktop, even though they were running under virtualisation.  They even appear on the start menu.  But who knows if it would do anything sane if you put DOS on there?!

Jim

Unfortinately XP mode is only for Windows 7 Professional (which I run) or above. I'd expect most people have the home edition. Although Virtual PC is my number 1 choice at virtualizing Windows.

[Praecor]

Using virtualization it's also nicer that you don't have to "worry" about almost anything, whether it's the virus, worm, or a buggy line of code, you can restore your OS by a single click to the last point (it restores all your files, anything on that box). This can save alot of time and trouble from the day.
(Of course still be aware of your other sec)

One nice thing for productivity is that you don't need to wait the machine to boot, login sequence etc finding your way to where you left it anymore, just restore it to the time it was sitting at the visual studio + start coding in 5secs

[Clyde]

a nice addition to use is easybcd.
I use it to rename the partitions and the default os. it caters for other things too.

http://neosmart.net/dl.php?id=1

[JL235]

Using virtualization it's also nicer that you don't have to "worry" about almost anything, whether it's the virus, worm, or a buggy line of code, you can restore your OS by a single click to the last point (it restores all your files, anything on that box). This can save alot of time and trouble from the day.
(Of course still be aware of your other sec)

One nice thing for productivity is that you don't need to wait the machine to boot, login sequence etc finding your way to where you left it anymore, just restore it to the time it was sitting at the visual studio + start coding in 5secs

If you use sleep then this isn't a problem on the host OS either. It takes me longer to turn on my monitors then it does for my PC to become usable (with all of my apps still running).

[Hotshot]

I love window 7 as it is most stable since XP Professional service pack 2!