Anyone use simulators much?

I learned how to use machinery by just getting on the darn piece of equipment and figuring it out. I don't know about most of you out there, but my father and grandfather just let me get after it to learn. i came across this pretty neat article about simulators and how they are being used quite a bit today. it would have been nice to learn on one of these machines (would have saved a lot of money and save me from some butt whoopings) anybody out there learn on these simulators? im curious to know. here is that article too http://blog.machinefinder.com/4305/virtual-construction