Microsoft opens virtual drives for free

Hi,
This is in a news artical today:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061018/wr_nm/microsoft_open_dc_1

The software permits the easy use of several operating systems on one machine. So, for example, dangerous software could be installed on a virtual machine without affecting the host computer.

Can anyone tell me exactly what this means and how to go about it?
Can the software in question realy not hurt you?
Thanks Dan

 

Please see this thread

From my understanding, this app emulates a PC's hardware using software, giving you an entirely virtual computer running on your computer. You can then install windows on this machine, and it doesn't actually affect your Windows installation.

 

Thanks Mada,
Looks like a long process i will play with it over the weekend.
Dan