Quote - Considering the Mac forte is graphics ya it is a little puzzling..... but then I'm still on Windoze.
Have you heard of Virtual Box.  It's a free virtual machine package by Sun. Lets you set up any OS which can then be used as a desktop app. from within your main OS. I have it and have used it on my XP machine to try out things without the need to add drives or partition drives. Might be worth a look.

The same problem remains that Windows even if only as a desktop app is on the same drive as my Mac OS. I'm sure it would likely not be a problem but I just feel much more comfortable about keeping them as separate as possible. I have plenty of room in my tower for more drives. So I will probably eventually take the long way around.