Particles in 3DS Max 2011

Using 3DS Max 2011. I have a model of a gumball machine, along with lots of individual gumballs inside, and I need to make it explode from the inside out. No fire or anything like that, I just need to make the glass shatter outward, spilling the gumballs everywhere. I want the gumballs to fly outward as well, not just fall straight down. People I've asked have mentioned using particle systems and gravity, but I'm not quite that advanced yet. I'm still relatively new to 3D in general. Can anyone walk me through this? I can provide my Max file if it will help.

That sound awesome let us see it