I apologize if my post was written in a confusing fashion. I agree it is great if you can just USE the program, but workarounds are one thing that can tide one over until the problem is fixed.
A virtual machine is just that. It is software that allows you to multitask as you say between OS. So, instead of Chrome, Skype and Goodgle Talk, you would have Windows XP, Win7 and 3 copies of Vista all running at the same time, or maybe just two other copies of XP. And, as an aside, which has nothing to do with your question or comments, Virtual Machines are the coolest things to ever come down the computing road. I certainly agree that it would be much better to open the charts from one program, but if I had the same need, I would simply have two other XP Pro OS minimized on my task bar especially since you can have 100 copies of AC for the same price as one.
Others have asked for the same thing, although not many. It would probably best best to talk directly with Jon about it. I am sure other EMRs have the ability, but they are probably more expensive.
I get messages about other patients from my staff all the time. If I need to open their charts, I don't find it that difficult to hit CTRL - S, open their chart and then click on the other patient's chart again.
I hope this doesn't come across like I am arguing; I am just trying to give you other options. All in all, it sounds as though this may not be the program for you unless Jon changes it so one can open more than one chart at a time.
