Where to start?

running my own server

[4string]

I want to run my own colocated server. Can anyone recommend (PM) me some good books to read and just where I should start. I know nothing about the server end of things. I'm good with web stuff, php and basic programming. I think I can do it. I'm usually a quick study.

Beyond the hardware, will it cost a lot to set up? Software? I know php is free. What about email and other things I'm clueless about?

[encyclo]

How much experience do you have with Linux? If the answer is "none", then the best course of action is to get an old machine and install a Linux distribution on it (I like Ubuntu [ubuntu.com] but you might want to choose another). Hook it up to your local network, and start playing. Install Apache, PHP, MySQL, vsftpd, sshd (all available as packages) and play with the configurations of each. Access the machine from your desktop and use Putty [chiark.greenend.org.uk] to control things. Hint: don't bother with vi which will drive you nuts - try nano instead as an easy text editor!

As for books, I rarely find that you learn much from them - the hands-on approach combined with copious googling when things go wrong will get you through.