cadayton on Nostr: Might suggest getting a mini computer (merkat) from system76.com loaded with as much ...

Might suggest getting a mini computer (merkat) from system76.com loaded with as much memory and solid state storage that you can afford.

Now you can use virtualization software so create linux VM instances to test.

Nix/Nixos is looking to be very solid to me currently. I'm still learning the ropes, but I have the sense this is going to be the way I operate in the future.

You'd be wise to skip the school of hard knocks and start off with Nix/Nixos from the get go.