The OS I'll be using is Ubuntu Server. I won't be using the default LAMP install option as I want to install and configure each element of LAMP myself. Did I mention that I've never done this before? Luckily I have a decent tutorial to follow:
http://www.howtoforge.com/perfect_setup_ubuntu704
The main reason for setting up my own server has everything to do with programming for updated php 5 and mysql. My current shared hosting still uses php 4 and an older sql server. I'll be doing some work on an updated VPS later this year and I'd like my code to run smooth from the start. Also this will give me some experience with operating the VPS.
The computer should arrive early next week. I've also ordered a Belkin KVM switch so I can share devices as well as audio.
I'm contemplating putting together a file server over the summer (don't need a web server) and I was toying with the idea of making it a *nix box. Not because I like *nix or think it'd offer me anything I can get from Win2k3 but just as an educational exercise...
Jack