New
#11
Well, as the OP said, maybe this decision isn't technical whatsoever...but rather a legal one or a compliance issue.
If your boss told you that you weren't allowed to run Windows 7 on your work machine...then I wouldn't suggest running Windows 7 on your work machine in a VM either.
At the end of the day
1). The machine is the property of your employer and you are provided with the ability to use that machine to perform your job functions. This isn't your machine and you don't really have a say
2). Defying your boss is direct insubordination and could easily lead to job termination. Unless you really hate your job, I cannot imagine running Windows 7 is worth this risk.