Another easy way to implement a home Linux server is to download and install e-Smith's Server & Gateway.  Free to download, burnthe ISO and boot from the CD.  Ten minutes later you'll have a fully functioning Linux home server.  It sounds too easy, but it just works.

A quick review of e-Smith's Server & Gateway:
http://www.ebabble.net/archives/2000..._may_2000.html

A link to the company and their product:
http://www.e-smith.org/