[ale] Semi-OT, Windows as VM guest

[kwc at shell.TheWorld.com (Ken Cochran)]

Semi-OT, so off-list reply ok & I'll try to summarize back.

Hey ALErs & Happy Thanksgiving!

I have a few applications that *require* Windows & won't run in
an emulator (a la Wine/CrossOver, believe me, we've tried).  They
should run fine in a VM though.

Questions:

What is the "best" (or recommended version(s)) of Windows to run
as a guest/hosted in a VM?  Looks like my choices are 7 Pro or
8.1 Pro.  I'm thinking 7Pro - everyone else I've talked with
*hates* 8; thought I might ask here.

Should it be the OEM DVD or is this something I can/should
download & make into a USB/flashdrive install?

Does MS maintain the download images with service packs and/or patches?

Can I "migrate" a Windows VM to a different machine, as needed?

If I download it, how do I go about getting proper/valid/legal
license key(s)?

As usual, pointers to FAQs, docs, FMs to RT are quite welcome.  :)

-kc