Sorry about smashing the rules a little but I decided to show the way i access the characteristics I want in linux without needing to reboot. I'd run linux as my primary OS whether it were not for games and certain applications.
I personally use cygwin probably the most and that's why I've party integrated with my command prompt in order to launch it simply like I'd every other spend in linux. (I blanked out my computer/username within the prompt within the lower left hands corner.)
After I need X support I personally use VMware's Oneness feature quite helpful for running GUI applications over SSH in Home windows.
Anyway, sorry if I am not preserving the spirit of the thread.
___________________________________