Home computer lab

Although it is still costly (mainly hardware-related) operation, nowadays it is still much easier to setup a home computer lab to test your website, database, etc. There are freeware or open source quality software out there (GNU\linux, opensolaris, openbsd for OS; MySQL, postgrep, sqlite for database; lighthttpd, Apache for webserver; GIMP for photo-touching; Scribus for DTP; Scratch, Alice for animation; etc). One can also bid for cheaper second hand Cisco routers from Ebay to create a mini network, and add a Wireless hub as well.

The problem is: besides coping with certification exam, what are you going to do with this setup considering the running cost (rent, electricity bill, sir!)?