That last paragraph is basically the whole draw of VMs, except for the fact that you can run Windows ME without messing up your computer.

As for finding out the specs of your test machine, there are two ways you can do it. I'm not sure if the host PC runs Win7 (I can't tell), but if it does than good. I do not run Linux (I want to), so I can't tell you how in that OS.

1. If you can install programs, than download CPU-Z and GPU-Z. They tell you... well, about your CPU and GPU. CPU-Z also tess you your BOIS, RAM amount, and other things. GPU-Z tell all about your GPU.

2. If you can't install programs, than you can tell your system's specs from Windows. First, open Computer, and look at the bottom of the window. There, it will tell you your CPU, and how much RAM you have. Now, right-click Computer, and click properties. In the windows that comes up (you can view your CPU and RAM amount there too), click "Device Manager" on the left. Look under Display Adapters, and you will see what GPU(s) you have in the machine.

Hope that helps!

*cough*cat /proc/cpuinfo*cough*

le717,

Start > Accessories > System Tools > System Information

It's really easy. I can also run dxdiag. I'm just lazy and don't care much what this computer has. I'm pretty sure it's an intel core 2 duo 3.4 ghz, since that's what most of our machines use. The reason I don't care enough to look is because by the time I have money to buy a decent workhorse of a computer, this thing will be outdated. :P