Today I am taking my first stab at Linux

Since I just got my nice new laptop (IBM T41p), I really don't have much use for my old desktop anymore. So, I figured I'd try out Linux and see how I like it, something I've been meaning to do for some time now.

After a little reading up on the different distros, I decided on Debian because of the apt package management system. So, here I am trying to set up this old box to serve as a Debian server/desktop.

I will be using DynDNS to point to the server because I have DSL and therefore a dynamic IP (why pay for for a static?) and basically want to use the server for testing different PHP scripts and working with MySQL databases and such. Possibly I might even set up a personal site there.

In addition to this, I want to learn as much as I can about the Linux OS (Debian distribution) so I would also like this box to function as a usable desktop where I can run programs, etc.

Well, I have ran into my first problem already =D

The Debian netinstall disc I burned detected all my hardware fine (I hope) and set up DHCP properly. As for partition, though, it recommends one large partition for everything. I have read in numerous places that this is very insecure for a server, so my question is what would be an appropriate partioning setup that will keep this server secure but also permit it to function as a desktop.

Also (I am not yet sure if this is possible with DynDNS) I would like the server to function as a mail server and web server so I can have an email address to go along with the domain.

Thanks everybody for your help, I am really eager to get started and appreciate any help you have to offer!

>I have read in numerous places that this is very insecure for a server, so my question is what would be an appropriate partioning setup that will keep this server secure but also permit it to function as a desktop.

Well, this is true for commercial servers. However, for a home server it is really not that important. You will encounter alot of dictionary hackers who try to break in via ssh - this threat is not serious as long as your ssh server is set up properly. I do not recommend setting up ftp server unless you really need it (use ssh instead). The bad ones will probe your port 80 and attempt to break in but this really is not an OS security problem, it's http server setup question.

Mail. You can have MX record with DynDNS. This means you can receive mail - but only if your ISP does not block port 25.

Even if they do, use port 26...;P