LinuxQuestions.org - want to have Linux server for WinXP network

Hello,

Although I have Mandrake 8 at home, I am a Linux idiot :)
I want to install Red Hat 9.0 Professional on a server at work. the server is a Pentium III 500 MHz with 256 MB ECC RAM and 5 x 4.3GB hard drives.

Here's what I want.

- The Linux server to be 100% compatible with my WinXP Pro workstations. (The workstations are public terminals mainly used for Internet access and document printing)

- The Linux server to be the Internet gateway, hand out IP addresses, act as a proxy server and firewall (even if I have to buy 3rd party software, which I assume is available)

- Linux server to be a print server, also has to be able to do print queue management (redirection, collation, job tracking) again 3rd party software is OK I will buy if necessary.

Question 1. Is this possible AND is it do-able by a linux idiot like myself. :study:

Question 2. How much am I looking at spending on RH9 and all the 3rd party software I will need?

Question 3. Can someone point me in the right direction to read up on using Red Hat as a server and to read up on the 3rd party software I need. (like for Windows connectivity, firewall, print Q mgmt, etc)

Thanks so much. Any additional information you think I might need will be helpful and appreciated. I've never done this before :)