Alright, this isn't as serious as the subject might suggest. I'm looking for a number of software packages that you guys have had luck with. Here's the background info:

1) I'm making my first attempt at running a dedicated server
2) I'm looking to get my feet wet in configuring services, but not drown in obscure options
3) I've got a decent background in programming. So scripting languages or cracking open source code does not cause a lot of intimidation.

So, that being said, I'd appreciate any suggestions on the following:
1. FTP server
2. Mail server
3. Web server
4. Game server
5. "Forum" software somewhat like linuxquestions

The server is not going to be widely known. So I figure I can get away with running all these services without causing any sever strain.

1. FTP server. The two I've heard thrown around a lot are vsftp and proftp, but I'm open to other suggestions.
2. Mail server. Again, I've really only heard of two big names: sendmail and qmail.
3. Web server... well, I figure Apache will be the resounding champ in this category. Thought I'd mention it just in case though.
4. Game server. I'm sure I can find bnetd somewhere, but does anybody else know of some generic game hosting software?
5. Forum software, I am completely clueless about.

I know I could go to freshmeat, google, or any of those sites to get a list of different packages, but I'm more interested in getting war/horror/success stories.

So, which ones do YOU like?

I don't have specific answers, but here are some hopefully helpful links.

Linuxquestions' bbs software is vBulletin.

# Linux Gaming
Linux Gamers' FAQ
TransGaming Technologies
The Linux kernel preemption project

# Common e-mail tools
sendmail - postfix - sends mail to local users (and internet when configured correctly)
fetchmail - gets mail from internet accounts (non-Hotmail type)
procmail - sorts and delivers into separate mailboxes
mutt - mail client that sucks less than all the others
Email the Linux Way
Suresh Ramasubramanian's email guide
The Linux Mail User HOWTO
The Linux Electronic Mail Administrator HOWTO
Gotmail, a utility to download mail from Hotmail type accounts

Hmmmm... apparently not much interest in pros/cons of server software around here...

Oh well, thanks for the links fancypiper. I'll boldly step into the unknown and make what will undoubtedly be a series of mistakes, but I'll learn a lot. At least that's how I'll rationalize it when I feel like taking a sledgehammer to my case...