Yes, you can cook rice in your microwave. It's fast, easy and you'll never have to scrape burnt rice off the bottom of a pot again. (Not that this has ever happened to me personally or anything....)
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 3/4 cups hot tap water
pinch salt
Measure the rice into a 2-quart (2 l) microwave-safe casserole or bowl. Add the hot tap water and the salt. Cover with a lid (or plastic wrap, vented to allow the steam to escape) and microwave on high power for 5 or 6 minutes, until it starts to boil. Now reduce power to medium (50%) and microwave for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Don't uncover, don't stir, don't do anything. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes, then uncover and fluff with a fork. Done.
The same technique can be used for brown rice, but use 2 cups (500 ml) of hot water to 1 cup (250 ml) of brown rice, and after it comes to a boil, let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes on medium power.