"Cheap" Microsoft software

With yearly subscriptions for Microsoft Technet Plus you can evaluate full feature, non time limited Microsoft software, which is good if you are a home user. There is a promotion if you register before Jun 30, "just" $279. Use promo code TWEB08A. 

VirtualBox (VMWare)

VMWare is free (well player is free for non-commercial use) but you still have to pay for VMWare Fusion if you run Mac OS X. VirtualBox runs on OS X, as well as other platforms and is currently free.

Q/QEMU is not in question since it is appalling performer.