virtualizing it would be tricky.

not everyone has the cpu power to virtualize (i know i don’t)

many might think it’s slow, etc.

i think direct install without burning to a CD is far better.

Wubi (virtual install) or unetbootin (real install no cd required).

this is the best experience IMHO

however i would no discard virtualization in the future, so hang on there.

Also, other distros do release vmware images for people who do have the cpu power to try it out.

pepone and manny - Yes, and, as of Hardy Heron, Wubi is now integrated into the Ubuntu CD, so you can use it directly from the CD. As I said, with Wubi the process looks like this:
1. Put the CD in the drive
2. Install it (with Wubi)
In other words, it still needs to be installed.

I hate to break it to you, but Ubuntu already has that, it is called the LiveCD.

download ubuntu.iso + wubi installer (no need to burn a CD)

i have not burn any CD after feisty thanks to Wubi and Unetbootin

i don’t care to waste CD’s either.

the ubuntu website should have a Wubi + iso in 1 easy to use package.