Can I install Ubuntu and Xpenology in Esxi?

[Goose]

I've just bought the parts to build my own little NAS/HTPC/Whatever and I want to play about with it for a while and learn some new things. I haven't done much with VM's aside from VirtualBox so I thought I'd have a go at Esxi and try to run Ubuntu and Xpenology before deciding whether or not to make the system a dedicated NAS or Htpc.

Is this actually possible and does anyone decent beginners guides to Esxi?

Thanks

 

[Goose]

For some reason I thought ESXI was free but after registering it says I dont have permission to download anything and offers me a free trial.

 

[Goose]

Thanks a lot