Hi polarbear77,
Please note that the VMware Server product is no longer supported and contains unresolved security issues.
Not sure why you are asking about VMware Server, but just in case you might not know, almost all of the VMware Server specific functionality has been merged into VMware Workstation.
VMware workstation is supported and up to date.
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Wil
If you're planing to work with current Linux Distros then they will probably not work properly in VMware Server! 
Is there any reason you can't you use VMware Player instead?
Let me add to what WoodyZ says that nowadays VMware Player allows you to create virtual machines as well, not just "play" as the name suggests.
If you are looking for a free VMware solution for the need you are stating above then your only -VMware- option is VMware Player (or install VMware Workstation which after the evaluation period still has a fully functional VMware Player) You get the additional benefit of learning the differences between Workstation and Player.
VMware Server is not a proper solution anymore, it will not give you easy access to any recent linux virtual machine, only linux distributions that are over 3 years old are supported and will work nicely integrated in your windows environment. VMware Server was retired over 3 years ago. See also: The Future of VMware Server | PlanetVM
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Wil