Virtualization with XP or Linux host?

Would I take a greater performance hit running XP from linux or Linux from xp? Or would there be no difference since I am still running both OSs?

 

Host OS is not so much what will make a difference here, the virtualization tool is what will make the largest difference.

 

I am only aware of Virtualbox and VMware atm. any better ones out there? which is best then?

 

I've used in the past XP for my host and virtualized my linux machines, but not done vice versa, so I couldn't really tell you which way. I think it really depends on what your needs are of the other OS, etc. If you plan on using either as a full fledged system, a dual boot will be much more efficient.

 

I've been dual booting in the past, but the reason I want to virtualize is so i dont have to deal with OS slowdowns due to incomplete uninstalls and unknown processes. I hate blowing away my windows partition cause then I have to redo the boot loader and having to deal with the boot options everytime I start up makes me wait longer to use my main OS when I have no need for the back up. Was hoping to always run a VM from a host OS (probably Linux). Performance isn't that big of an issue but I figured there's no point in handicapping myself due to ignorance right?