I did a lot of searching for the answer to this. If I had missed it somewhere my apologies.
I'm looking to start my own privet server that has all mobs and NPC's that will be (for the time) just for myself to mess around on and then with hope (down the line) allow friends and such to connect. I've read through most of the guides on how to start them up and have all the requirements to do it but none of them seem to address a few concerns I have about this.
Mainly I do play on live realms, and I worry that starting a privet server may mess this up. I would like to use the copy of wow I have, and not need to have a 2nd copy on my system. For one I don't have the space for another copy. I am getting a bigger HD soon but still, wouldn't want a 2nd copy reguardless if it can be helped. I'd also like the lich beta to work as well that has all mobs and such added, but my worries are stil the same.
If anyone can please clear up some of my concerns about this if it can be done or not and point me in the right direction (guide or otherwise) I'd be really appreciated.