Does this make sense (virtualization-related)?

I have a desktop running Vista 64bit Home Premium. This computer doubles as a workstation and a file server of sorts. I have my old XBox converted to a media center that streams content from my desktop to my XBox and, subsequently, to my television in the living room. I'm also interested in setting up an FTP server on my machine so a friend and I can routinely exchange files (while being on opposite schedules).

Now, what I'm currently doing is sharing my media files across my network through my Vista desktop (just using the built in file and printer sharing), which has necessitated me creating an additional, limited user account under which the XBox (and, heck, even my laptop) can log in to get at the content I'm sharing. Setting up an FTP server would require some additional software I'm aware.

I don't really like having the file sharing running directly out of my Vista installation. I'd like to keep my file sharing more separate from my main workstation OS. I've seen many threads about virtualization lately, and I'm starting to consider the idea of setting up a Linux or BSD-based virtual machine, under which I could configure both local sharing and an FTP server my friend can access. If possible, I'd even like to configure remote access for the VM so I can dial in while outside the home -- but just into the VM and not my host OS.

Is all this possible? If so, what products should I be looking at. VMWare Workstation looks good, but my simple needs may not justify the price tag (even though I work full time, I'm still a full time college student -- so funds are a little tight).

I'm interesting in hearing any thoughts.