For virtualization software there are LOTS of options, each with lots of pros and cons. Personally I've been using Virtualbox for a few years and recommend that for people new to virtualization, but VMware Workstation is a popular option for many Windows users and you can get free timebomb copies if you want to try it out.
If you want to try out vbox you can get it HERE There are links for Windows and Linux hosts, and information about Virtualbox vs Virtualbox Open Source Edition (OSE) take a moment to read that.
My preference is Virtualbox OSE on a linux host. Since I'm running Ubuntu as my primary OS today, I just add it through Add/Remove Applications and I have it in my Application menu.
So I'm going to setup a new virtual machine to install debian on.
Slap in a name and pick OS and version.
When I try out live CD's I skip creating a new disk and I just don't mount one. In this case I'll need a drive to install to, so here is that wizard.
Unless you are really bent on blowing disk space, I'd suggest a dynamic disk. There is a risk that if your virtual machines all grow to be bigger than your physical drive capacity you will crash out. Not an issue for my use.
Once your drive is setup you can confirm your VM settings and click Finish.
Now Debian 5.0 is in my machine list, but I need to mount the installation media.
When I click on CD/DVD-ROM in the above window it brings up this screen where I can enable a drive, then either use my host computers optical drive or an ISO image.
Since I want to mount an ISO, I click that little folder and browse to the image I want to boot and click Select.
Now you see I'm going to boot up with the debian business card media in my virtual optical drive.
Now my virtual machine is prepared to do some testing without any risk to my actual PC. If anyone is thinking about trying out a different OS, I think this is the easiest, fastest, and safest way to do it.
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