Eh, setting up a VirtualBox VM isn't too hard, seems to run programs just fine, if not a tad bit slower than normal. I used TinyXP, namely because I didn't feel like wasting the disk space for a full XP install.
Works well enough, you'll hear people complain that it doesn't work, but on a VM that emulates fairly standard hardware, it's perfect.
I didn't have to deal with activation or that bullshit, but you might if you use a retail Windows CD [or, you could just install retail Win2k and enjoy your smooth sailing, but there are an increasing number of programs that need XP and up].

Make sure you get the Guest Additions ISO [there'll be an option to install it inside VirtualBox], for things like window resizing, non-retarded mouse handling, etc.
When setting up internet [if you need it], select bridged, and choose whichever connection name that you're using for your outgoing connection [eth1 for my wireless, eth0 for my wired, at least on my machine].

As for anything else, you'll need to be in Safe Mode when installing the Direct3D support from the Guest Additions ISO.
I haven't bothered to install it though, namely because I just run Famitracker, Renoise [yay, VSTs!], and a few other little things in it, haven't really used it for gaming.

Oh, and I haven't gotten shared folders to work. I dunno what I'm doing wrong! In the meantime, I have Dropbox installed on it, so I just sync from there, but...

isn't it wlan0 for wireless?

I believe Nuph got shared folders to work, i can't recall what he did. I'll ask him to post in this thread tomorrow.

But yes, thanks for the tips. They will be taken into consideration whenever I get around to doing this properly :D

Apparently, Nuph couldn't remember exactly... so we went video hunting and said this might possibly be the video he used:

So I ended up trying VMware Fusion based on feedback from people:

Debian :)

Haven't tried Virtual Box yet actually, but VMware Fusion for Mac is ace :D

Got it up and running pretty smoothly. Will eventually try to install Windows XP. Rather do this than use Bootcamp, to be honest. Especially since I'd probably only use it for like a couple of programs.

CenOS :D

working great thus far.

xp later on ;)

Oh, i just discovered something awwweeesome:

apparently you can drag and drop files to and from OS X and CentOS or Debian :D Right from the window with the mouse. Ok, maybe it doesn't sound as awesome... but i thought it was cool :p

So awesome. I want to jump on Ubuntu when I enter the desktop realm, have to remember this stuff.

Ubuntu is great. It's like a hybrid between Windows and OS X, in a way anyway. If I hadn't boughten this iMac about a year ago, I probably would be running on Ubuntu with VMware running XP, in order to run certain programs such as Photoshop or Wavelab etc.

Currently running CentOS and Debian as servers in VMware and I been learning more about command line and whatnot. I'm finally turning into a proper nerd, rather than being a poser haha... pretty soon I won't be able to get laid... oh wait... fuck.

haha did you fuck up the NOT getting laid bit? Mono you beastcat, you'll never make nerd material with all this random buggery.

Forever 'ard core.

I think i'm making progress actually. Haven't had proper contact with the opposite sex in ages. So I think I'm on the right track.

I WILL BE PROPER NERD, DAMNIT. hah.

XP

Gotta theme that biatch though.

BTW, adium supports IRC now, so if you got that, come along.

fixed it, xp looks better now :p

So my trial with VMware fusion ended a few days ago, and it worked flawlessly really.... but I decided to try out VirtualBox, since it was the original idea all along:

XP running in VirtualBox ;D

The only drawback: There is no seamless drag and drop in VB ;[

It's the only minor noticeable drawback that I can see.

Setting up a shared folder is hard though, once you know how to. I was considering in purchasing VMware Fusion, especially with the current discount, but I think I'm sticking with VirtualBox. Seems like it's capable of doing everything VMware can do. Even seamless integration:

Although, I believe VMware does it differently. In fact up one level more, as in you can even open certain files found on say OS X with XP apps right off of the OS X desktop. So it's more integrated (not just for visual purposes... but I believe it's also more dangerous, as if your Windows machine gets umm "contaminated" in any way, it has write permissions... which means it can even delete OS X files if something bad happens to it eeek.

Either way, both of these programs are great. I'm just a cheap bastard I guess and love open source :p