Assuming you already have a laptop mate? usb to 9 pin serial port: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0018D01JS Slightly more complex but more cost effective: />http://www.vmware.com/support/ Go on Desktop & End User, select Virtual Player. Download! Pick up a copy of a 32 bit OS and install it to the virtual machine. Essentially it runs like a seperate computer inside your system. You will understand when you get it up and running! Let me no what you think, or if you go that route and then have any dramas.