[Short Version]
I'm looking to set up a file and email server at home to a) store media (mp3's etc) and also b) act as an email server (exchange type o thing).
I want to be able to gain access via Windows clients on an internal network. Which distribution? If any?
[/Short Version]


[Longer Version]
I've moved in to PC / Server support and want to learn more about linux to add strings to my bow. I thought that I would set myself a little project at home. My files and email are fragmented between two pc's at the moment so I want to add a file/email server to the network that I can leave switched on somewhere in the house where it won't keep the misses awake. It's a simple goal - files and email all on one server.

The clients are running xp. :0 ..... I've not tried integrating the two before but i'm assuming (hoping) there shouldn't be too many issues. I'm using a netgear adsl router at the moment as the hub of my network.

If I can get to grips with Linux then perhaps I can think about applying it at work with a little confidence - starting with smaller projects.

I imagine that I could run this on most flavours of Linux - what I'm looking for is a simple distribution which will act as a good solid platform without flooding me with too much un neccessary functionality.

One additional requirement - I want to keep my hands off the box and administer it remotely. I'm not sure if this is possible across operating systems - but if it is then I need to know if there are any distribution limitations.

Any responses appreciated.
[/Longer Version]

Any advice is appreciated.

If you want to learn, I would suggest either Debian or Slackware.

On IBM DeveloperWorks there is a good tutorial on setting up hetrogeneous networks.

For remote administration ssh works with any distro.