Thanks for the advice guys.
The server will probably be on all of the time but it's main purpose initially is just for learning. How often is something like webmin used? I have used this in the past when I had access to a friends server, it seemed like a really easy way of doing things.
I'm guessing it'll be easier to do the initial server setup with a GUI etc and then possibly look at admnistering it through command line where possible and webmin and phpmyadmin etc?
Any ideas on books of resources for learning how to do this? I generally prefer books as I think you get more of a complete learning experience, rather than just bits...