What would you guys suggest for using virtualization on a home PC? I need Virtual Linux running on top of my windows PC box. I need to have a way to test out my embedded router software which is Linux based. I need a way to compile Linux kernels and develop Linux material on a windows PC and I need a way to test the Linux distros I might be using for a server down the road. This will be for a home personal file server with roughly 1TB of storage possible a gaming server too.

Is this a decant idea to use virtualization for this and if so what should I use?

Also for having a home server would you guys recommend windows or Linux?

-DeathKnight Sniper

Try a live version of Linux like Knoppix. Runs off a CD so it Is better than emulation as the only files installed on the HDrive are drivers necessary to access the hardware.

Live CD's don't let me save content on the hard drive and if they do I have to install them so if that was the case why not virtualize...

-DeathKnight Sniper

I'm not up to speed on virtual Linux but if it works like I think it does you won't necessarily get accurate results.
Partition the drive and install Linux that you run from a clean boot.