i do not know about vmware. what i know is virtualbox. it operates the same way. in my linux, i have windows xp which runs in virtualbox. i keep the windows xp just for sentiments sake. and in that windows xp that runs in the virtural box in my linux, i have installed open office. so no ms office stuff.
tmatekwa, there are hundreds of gb of software available free of charge just waiting to be downloaded at your pleasure. all my software is free (except hiyo windows xp. you dont have to pirate to use your computer.
for starters, mr. tmatekwa, you can download virtualbox here
www.virtualbox.org be careful to select the one most appropriate for your computer.