I used MS FlightSim X when I was doing my IMC and would recommend it. It does not take that long (1/2 an hour?) to become familiar with it if you can already fly a PA28/C172 etc.
Its much easier sorting out VOR/ADF/ILS stuff sat at a computer than when flying. Getting used to how fast/slow the instruments move when you close a VOR track or ILS approach, flying an ADF/NDB hold with a cross wind, flying an ILS approach with a cross wind, flying procedure turns etc were all very useful. Just set the weather options to make it horrible and away you go! I am convinced it saved me quite a bit of money on actual lessons, having flown the exercises first on Flight Sim.