Think the best idea is to ask away here, and then one day you might know the answer to something else for another person, sure this is how it works =)
No need to go to your house, if you have windows you can use remote desktop, and let someone set it up via the net. Then, just change your pwd after they have done it.
FSX or even the older version are very, very easy to install.
Configuration is done in more or less one place, and very little needs to be done unless you want to tweak the graphics, oh, make it "real" too.
I have used a few of these higher end plugins.
Pilot in command is good, but my fav is Level D or PMDG.
I should try yourself, and then come back here for some help, and use remote desktop or another person as a last ditch attempt.
X-Plane has the edge with physics, but i cant see the point in having advanced physics if your flying a B737/ETC as your just letting the auto-pilot do most the work, and your programming the fmc/auto p/checks/etc.
So my opinion is that for Auto-pilot stuff, FSX/2004 is more than good enough, and X-Plane is more for hands on flying as it does feel more realistic (Light GA).
The BA Mobile sim uses(d) FS2002 and with the joystick (yoke) setup correct, they lead me to think its pretty close to the real thing. Having never flow a real B737 i cant comment.