While XP runs on 128MB, 1024MB (1GB) is the "sweet spot" for performance. Step 4: Networking and Compatibility
If you want maximum disk I/O performance, you will need the virtio-win floppy image (vfd) to load drivers during the "Press F6" stage of the Windows setup. Step 3: Post-Installation Optimization
💡 Use the QEMU -net none flag if you don't need internet access.💡 Snapshot often. Use virsh snapshot-create or the QEMU monitor to save a clean state.
A 40GB virtual disk only takes up as much space as the actual files inside it.
Use -enable-kvm to leverage hardware acceleration.
Use -net nic,model=rtl8139 -net user for the most compatible "out of the box" internet access.