Which version of Windows guest has best performance?

[neufena]

Hi,

Like a lot of people I use VBox to run a couple of Windows apps that I can't get on OS X. The apps aren't very demanding and will run on any version of Windows. Currently I use XP but wondered if any particular version of Windows (out of XP, 7 & 8 ) runs better than others on VirtualBox. My initial thought would be earlier versions are faster but it could be that VBox is optimised for newer versions.

[noteirak]

My personal opinion on this is :
- If you want something fast & with minimal footprint, go for XP
- If you want something shinny and very nice to use, go for 7

[mpack]

In fact you can have your cake and eat it too: small, fast, minimal footprint and a blingy user interface. All you need to do for the latter is install a patched theme dll, then install the fancy theme of your choice. It can look like Win7 if that's what you want. Google for "XP themes".

[neufena]

I'm not fussed about flashy interfaces, just which is more responsive in use. Sounds like XP is my best bet.

[mpack]

In the past I wasn't too fussed about appearances either, but it so happens that someone a while back told me that the reason they thought Win7 was worth buying was because the interface was so much better. In response I researched and demonstrated that they could have the same interface on XP without all the other stuff that comes with it... and it turns out that I quite liked the results of my research, though I failed to convert my Win7 loving colleagues...