http://frankscorner.org/index.php?p=simulation

I've never been happy with Wine (it has been a few years since I've
tried it), but I've been pleased with Sun's VirtualBox. It's open
source (GPL) from the same people who produce Open Office. The URL:

http://www.virtualbox.org/

The down side is that you do need a valid license for XP to use it, as
it emulates the machine and you actually install the guest OS on the
virtual machine.

You can also run copies of Linux inside Windows or Linux inside Linux.

Using virtual box has enabled me to do away with dual
boot to windows. Works best (the programmers say) with XP.

First off there are plenty of pdf programmes that do not require Wine. I can
read any pdf file with Linux. I can read digital books and do so routinely. You
can also install readers for other ebooks file types (such as Gutenbrowser which
reads several formats, including plucker).

Games are an issue because they often use specific libraries that only work in
Windows. Active X would be an example. You can get more compatibility by using
Codeweavers game specific software or Transgaming's Cedega, both are
commercial. You can find a list of supported Windows games on their sites.