Speaking of that root, would you or anyone else recommend a certain version of Windows Server? I can start with XP, but if someone has used a server version of Windows, I'd be happy to try it.
XP isn't really a server OS, (but you can use it to host a website, or files, but it's not very good as a mail server for example) -at least not without 3rd party software.
I would recommend 2003 but it'll be out of support soon enough.
2008 is very (very good).
but is a bit expensive.
R2 has a load of cool features.
if you're aufait with windows XP then 2003 will be the same with no reall changes to the way that you use the system.
if you use vista or 7 then you'll likely have no issues with 2008.