Well... for non-DRM'd epub files, you can download with Linux and use almost any reader to view them, but for DRM'd epubs you have to use ADE (Adobe Digital Editions) which pretty much requires Windows or Mac. I haven't heard of ADE running under Wine, but my info may be incorrect.
As for virtualization, there are several software packages that can handle it. I have Windows XP running in VMware Workstation, but you should also be able to use VMware Server, which is free. You can then use the Sony Reader software, which sucks IMHO, or ADE to buy any DRM'd ebook. Then use ineptepub (Google it) to strip the DRM and transfer to Calibre. That's what I do, no problems.
Hope this helps.
Update: I just checked and see that
Crossover Linux by Codeweavers can run ADE. I have it, but never thought to check if it works
I'll try to get things working some time this week and get back with my results. I can't ditch XP completely due to work, but if this works, I'll have one fewer thing I need it for
