Virtualization
I run mine Virtualized as well.
#1 - Portability. My primary PC is a notebook, and with the server running on a Virtualized server, I can access it from anywhere. The Tower it runs on stays behind (and hooked up to a UPS).
#2 - Backups. Get it running, power it down, and export the VM. Instant backup.
#3 - Encapsulation. Similar to #2, but an upgrade of WINE, x11vnc, kernel, etc, don't wreak havoc with the server. I can literally let it run on a snapshot of Cauldron (Mageia's dev arm) indefinitely, without foregoing updates on the rest of my software. Plus I can dedicate it 4 GiB of RAM and 1.6 (4x.4) processor cores and know that, no matter what it's doing, it can't bring the rest of the system to its knees.
#4 - Security. I can forward and open the ports to that VM, and that VM can only access 3306 on the SQL server, and that's it. I don't have to open 3306 or the EqEmu ports on my notebook, so I'm not in danger of having an intruder through an exploit of any of those. I just have to "worry" about someone absconding with my Staff of the Serpent...
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