If you haven't checked it out lately (or at all), you might want to check VMware's web site and search through all of the pre-built virtual appliances that are available.  It is amazing what a community of users can create and share.  The users of VMware's VMTN community have created virtual appliances that deal with a number of topics including:

• Security Appliances
• Voice Over IP
• Content Management
• Operating Environments
• Developer/Pre-Release Environments

Combine these free downloadable appliances with the free VMware Player or VMware Server and you have quite a powerful punch!

To search and download appliances, visit VMware - here.