Greetings,
Here is what I used for book links:
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-System-Center-Configuration-Manager/dp/047017367XIt has several available including the Admins companion that is well worth the investment.
As for the virtual side, I prefer VMWare located here for free:
http://www.vmware.com/products/esxi/or
http://www.vmware.com/products/server/-Cheers-