@atlantarobin, There are several ways, none of which are totally free unless you own a licensed version of Windows that you can install.

Here’s a link from the Apple forums on using Bootcamp to run Windows:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1461
Bootcamp is free from Apple, but you do need a Windows Installation.

I’ve used Parallels for several years (http://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/). I like it better than Bootcamp b/c you don’t have to reboot the machine from Mac to Win OS, your Windows programs will run “normally” along side of your Mac programs. While a bit more on the investment side ($80), it really does work smooth.

There’s another virtualization program similar to Parallels, but I can’t remember the name of it at the moment – maybe another SME member would know.

@atlantarobin, It’s still early evening for me (I’m in Oregon)

I’m running Win XP Home Edition on Parallels v. 6. All it takes is at least a Win XP install disk. When you activate it, if you’ve activated too many times (from prior PC re-installs), you can call in & activate over the phone.

On Bootcamp, I saw something in the help notes that you needed Win 7. I’ve never used Bootcamp, just know that it’s there & “free”