Open BVE is freeware train simulator for Windows and Linux. It works on Vista, and Ubuntu 12.04 at least, I know because I have tested it. I works on Mac OS as well, but I have not tested it as yet.
This blog entry discusses the options for installing on a Windows computer.
There are two options – either install it as a Linux program or install it as a Windows application.
I have tried both the Linux version and the Windows version on the same machine.
The Windows version is slightly better, but installing iit involves creating folders by hand. This is not particularly difficult, but if you make a mistake, then you will get an error such as no train for the selected route or objects missing from your route.
To install on Linux, you use the “Ubuntu Software Center”. This downloads and installs the application program along with a default route (like MSTS or Railworks). You can begin driving the train as soon as the program has installed, which is good.
The Linux distro I have tested open BVE on is Xubuntu 12.04, WUBI install method.
Xubuntu is here:
You have to download an “iso” disk image and make it into real CD. You do not boot it. You open it under windows and click where is says “Run wubi-exe”. If it does not have wubi on it, then you have downloaded the wrong distro.
This project is discussed on my “Virtual Box” blog:
http://wilkiecat.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/kubuntu-with-wubi/
More Detailed information on downloading and installing OpenBVE is here:
http://www.railsimroutes.net/index.php
The World of Hornby Layouts - real and virtual 