Virtualization Vs Desktop User Experience?

[timez]

Hi, I am running a server 2008 r2 machine that i also want to use for general use as well sometimes (it has 4GB of RAM)

 

I just wondered what will keep my server/network running the fastest while im using it for other things?

 

- Desktop user experience and just use the computer for the general stuff

 

or

 

- virtualize a windows 7 box in hyper-v or VMware - and alocate it 1gb of ram plus some hard drive space

 

(it has to be at least 1gb or it will feel so slow to me when im used to 4gb)

 

Taking into account the destop experience will stay switched on all the time even when im not using it - as oposed to a virtual machine unloading its use of ram once im finished (i think it does that?)

 

 

 

I look forward to your insight

 

thank you

 

Timez