EQEmu questions, I'm a little niave, sorry

[Birok]

Ok, I am very new to this EQEmu business. My questions are (if someone has the moment to answer them), from what I have read so far, you can run EQ by yourself by creating a closed server. How does this work with your current characters? Is there any changes or harm done to any files neccessary for the live Everquest? Does it function just like normal EQ except you control it? Is there a way for Verant to know you are using this Emu, and if so, is it legal? Just curious really.

Thank you for your time...