Ive been recently looking at linux, ive tested out various software and found that to my surprise that Linux is just as good as microsoft. Also as i am a student we use Solaris computers for programming so i researched a bit more about solaris, they allow businesses to download the OS free for servers etc - Ubuntu offers server capabilty. Im not too sure about Virtual Machine. But from what i can see i would recommend it. Im planning on buying a new machine and partitioning it and running Windows, Linux AND Solaris on it - It will be an interesting experience.