it depends on what PC you own and what vedio driver you have.
FMS will run in vista, if you load a missing .dll into vista.
However if you have a pc with Nvida driver, you're going to get a flashing screen , you'll have to trun
off the texture..Will no texture, it dosn't look very good.
Or you can force it to work by installing Virture PC. and install XP in the Virtual PC inside of Vista.
if you don't have an XP disc..it's going to cost you.lol

FMS is free, so you're just purchasing the TX.
You can simply download smart pro off the net...yes you can still find it.
make an adapter for your tx.

You can download FMS for free

Clearview, Preflight have demos.
Most importly, to see if it'll work with you PC configuration.
Clearview has a 60 mins demo run time.
Preflight...you can only control 2 channels via the stick..the throttle. rudder is Via keyboard. until you purchase it.
There both around $40
okay...you'll see FMS models in prefligh and clearviews

or you can download RC planmaster demo and fly the trainer for a month with full control
but it shuts off after 5 mins..then you have to click fly again.lol Then purchase it, if you like it.
it's around $40

or you can download radio Control simulator for free..it runs in DOS, You can make your own
model, scene..i guess

under the $50 range, There's pros and cons to everyone of these simulators.