Cygwin is nice if you want UNIX but run Windows. Review on Cygwin

Cygwin is a UNIX software layer, with a complete UNIX api, that runs under windows. You get all the UNIX shells that you need, all the GNU open source software that is ported to it, even an Xwindows GUI system that can be run under Windows. This is great if you want to import the GUI output from networked UNIX or Linux machines to your Windows desktop. This software can take the place of expensive proprietary ''Xservers'' like Exceed. Cygwin is totally free, just go to the site and get the installer. Note: not everything is set to install by default so you have to choose what you want installed. To do this you need a fast internet connection and a few hours of time. This software lets me run a local Xserver and Window Manager under my employer supplied Windows XP Dell notebook computer. It comes in handy since I am a UNIX sysadmin.