My bright idea was to take an old pc and put a ubuntu server on it... and it actually works (I think). My 'windows' mindset makes linux look like greek to me so that's why I have come to LQ's.. not really to post Q?'s but to find answers [most of my simple queries have been asked by someone before].

Peace..

I found for my home share box I just loaded Ubuntu Desktop for simple sharing with the convenience of Desktop apps . Check out Category5.tv for Linux info and questions. Robbie does a show every Tuesday at 7pm est. You could email any questions you have or chat with people in the chat room.
Keep in mind that an old pc left running continuously can consume the price of a new low power unit in electricity cost over time. Consider the Kill-o-watt device to determine if you got a power pig.

.. you could only say that...I'm a glutton for punishment.. I tried to fix up ubuntu server wireless not knowing anything but the windowsOS ..on a windows pc none the less ... needless to say that failed, though I have heard it can be done. (via flawed tute)
I took the 'old hag' with her noisy fans and clunking drives back to my 'computer Man Cave' from where it had once been banished. Plugged it into the router the old fashion way and proceeded to re-load the ubuntu lucid server disk (for the 20th time I think). Bingo!!! the apt-get and everything works... even the ssh from my windows on my home net.. gotta love puTTy.

Wish me luck in my learning...[it's a steep curve from IIs to *nix]

What are "IIs"?

Glad to hear you got it going. Sounds like you know what your doing.
Wireless can be painful with Linux sometimes.