I have created a 'How to' that will guide you in the installation of VirtuaBox to run Linux (any distribution) in your Windows XP, Vista or Mac. Please check it at: http://simms-teach.com/resources.php, select in "Student Howto" the link "Marcos Valdebenito (VirtualBox) ".
VirtualBox will let you run Linux as a Virtual Machine (like the MVware) in your current Operating System's desktop.
cheers