Running Linux on Windows XP in a virtual machine

It's certainly possible to run multiple independent operating systems on the same hardware. After installing Windows, you'll need to install a virtualization product. Examples include Microsoft Virtual PC and VMware Server (both free), as well as products from numerous other third parties. You can then create a new VM for hosting the Linux OS. In most cases, current versions of Linux will run just fine, regardless of the hardware configuration of the physical computer.