[lug] mac mini server as 24/7 house server?

[Chip Atkinson]

Hi folks,

I'm thinking about replacing the rack and server in my house with a mac 
mini with virtual box or vmware running a linux duplicate of the hardware 
server that I have running at home.  The old server is an HP DL385 and is 
never really taxed so I think a mac mini server would be able to handle 
the duties fine.  The reason for replacing it is power consumption, noise, 
and space.  My excel bills are $100+/month since I brought up the server 
and a 7' rack takes up quite a bit of floor space.  Then there's the noise 
which permeates the house since the only workable space for the rack is 
under a heating vent, aka household speaking tube.

Anyone have any experience with mac mini servers or know of a better 
option?

Thanks in advance.

Chip