I am somewhat new to linux and linux servers. I was just wondering what you all think would be easiest to set up and manage for a new Linux user. Should i set it up with the server specific linux OS or should i do it using a GUI interface? Im really only looking to create a server where i can store and manage all of my files including my non-linux files and being able to access them quickly easily and securely. any thoughts?

If you're a newbie and have not used a *nix before, then stick to one with a GUI. Everyone will give you a different answer as to what to use, but suffice it to say, get one that is an out-of-the-box install where absolutely anybody could set it up. Examples would be Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.

My first linux was Red Hat (5.0) and I was really DOS entrenched. I think if it hadn't have had a GUI I might have given up because I was pushed for time and learning intensely was not an option. Boy am I glad I kept going though!

Good luck choosing

Just noticed your username! If you are used to delving below OS X, then you will be much better placed than I was when I started.

College linux is i think best for newbie but it is no longer supported

CentOS might also be good for you... Almost everything you find on the net about RedHat Enterpise, applies to CentOS.

One other thing to point out, the nice thing about Linux, you can use almost any distro as a server. So if you wanted to start with a newb friendly distro like Ubuntu, but you still wanted to run a web server or whatever - you'd just install those packages.

thanks a ton guys

I would suggest Slackware. There are a couple really nice websites that guide you through the install and configuration of services.
Here is a post by shilo, http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...it-all-174447/
His website is really helpful too.